-•.-•$•!.,  "•**•;       ' 


BROOKLYN 


54  COUET  STREET,  cor.  Livingston, 

BROOKLYN,  I..  I. 


J.  T.  P.    SMITH 

Has  for  sale  an  assortment  of  Homoeopathic 
Triturations,  Tinctures,  Dilutions  and  Pellets, 
including  the  higher  attenuations. 


Cases  for  Physicians  and  for  Fofliiy  aise  of 
various  sizes  and  prices. 

Pure  Sugar  of  Milk,  Alcohol,  ar*  Unmedicai  ed 
Pellets,  constantly  on  hand. 

HOMOEOPATHIC  ARNICA  PLASTER,  .substitute  - 
for  the  ordinary  Court  Plaster,  and  an  cxellen  t 
application  for  Corns. 


***v/£ 


HOMOEOPATHIC 

DOMESTIC   PRACTICE. 


This  is  the  most  complete  work  on  Domestic  Practice  ever 
published.  In  addition  to  the  portion  the  Treatment  of  Dis- 
eases ;  it  contains  chapters  on  Anatomy  and  Physiology,  illus- 
trated with  elegant  plates ;  also,  a  chapter  on  Hygiene,  an 
abridged  Materia  Medica,  and  a  Dissertation  on  the  True  Theory 
of  Cure. 

Dr.  Guernsey's  book  of  Domestic  Practice  is  a  reliable  and 
useful  work.  It  is  especially  adapted  to  the  service  of  well 
educated  heads  of  families 

JOHN  F.  GRAY,  M.D. 


I  - 


HOMEOPATHIC 


DOMESTIC  PRACTICE] 


CONTAINING     ALSO 


CHAPTERS  ON  PHYSIOLOGY,  HYGIENE, 

ANATOMY,  AND  AN  ABRIDGED 

MATERIA  MEDICA. 


EGBERT    GUERNSEY,    M.D. 


SECOND,  ENLARGED,  REVISED  AND  IMPROVED  EDITION. 


N  E  W  -  Y  O  R  K  .* 

WILLIAM     RADDE,    300    BROADWAY. 

Philadelphia:  RADEMACHER  &  SHEEK. —  Boston:  OTIS  CLAPP. — Cleveland, 
0. :  JOHN  HALL.—  Cincinnati,  0.:  J.  M.  PARKS,  M.D.—  St.  Louis,  Mo.:  D. 
R.  LUYTIES,  M.D.— Manchester,  Eng. :  TUHNEH,  41  Picadilly. 

1857. 


' 


, 

^ 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1856, 

BY  WILLIAM    RADDE, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  cf  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


HEJfBY    LUDWIO,    PRINTER,  45  VESEY-ST.,    !».  T 


PREFACE. 

THE  more  intimately  we  are  acquainted  with  our  own  orga- 
nization, and  the  laws  of  our  being,  the  more  readily  may  we 
guard  against  the  numerous  causes  of  disease  to  which  we  are 
constantly  exposed,  and  preserve  a  healthy  equilibrium  in  the 
system.  There  are  cases,  also,  where  disease  presents  certain 
symptoms  so  distinctly  marked,  that  almost  any  one  possessed 
of  an  ordinary  knowledge  of  the  human  system  and  of  remedial 
agents,  may  by  the  careful  administration  of  medicines,  check 
in  the  commencement,  a  difficulty,  which  if  allowed  to  progress 
for  a  few  hours,  might  have  gained  such  headway  as  to  place 
the  patient  almost  beyond  the  reach  of  aid.  There  are  other 
cases  where  there  is  but  slight  derangement  of  the  system,  and 
the  symptoms  are  so  well  marked,  that  the  patient  will  have  no 
difficulty  in  selecting  the  remedy,  a  few  doses  of  which  will 
produce  speedy  relief. 

Thus,  with  a  proper  understanding  of  the  laws  of  nature,  and 
a  certain  knowledge  of  remedial  agents,  all  possess  the  power, 
to  a  certain  extent,  of  warding  off  disease,  of  relieving  a  vast 
amount  of  suffering,  and  prolonging  their  own  lives. 

I  have  endeavored  in  the  introductory  chapter  before  pro- 
ceeding to  the  treatment  of  disease  to  make  clear  a  few  points  : 

1.  I  have  spoken  of  the  anatomical  structure  of  the  system, 
and  the  beautiful  adaptation  of  the  various  parts  to  the  duties 
of  life. 

iii 


ex., 


IV  PREFACE. 

2.  The  physiology  of  the  system,  the  production  from  food  of 
bone,  and  blood,  and  tissue,  and  the  combustion  and  chemical 
changes,  which  are  constantly  going  on  within  us. 

3.  The  laws  of  health  and  the  causes  of  disease,  in  which. I 
have  glanced  at  the  transmission  of  disease  from  parent  to  child, 
and  the  necessity  of  a  correct  moral,  physical  and  intellectual 
training. 

In  the  introduction  I  have  given  some  general  rules  for  the 
proper  selection  and  administration  of  remedies,  for  the  diagno- 
sis of  disease,  and  the  choice  of  a  proper  diet. 

In  the  part  on  the  treatment  of  disease  I  have  aimed  to  be 
as  full  as  is  necessary  in  a  work  on  domestic  practice.  I  have 
also  endeavored  to  avoid  where  it  could  be  done,  technicalities, 
and  to  make  the  subject  as  plain  and  simple  as  possible.  In 
most  cases  the  quantity  of  the  dose  has  been  given,  and  the 
frequency  of  its  repetition,  but  as  this  must  depend  in  a  mea- 
sure on  circumstances  I  would  urge  a  careful  perusal  of  the  ar- 
ticle in  the  introduction  on  the  administration  of  remedies. 

In  part  third  I  have  introduced  a  carefully  abridged  materia 
medica,  in  which  the  leading  indications  for  a  remedy  are  group- 
ed together  under  the  appropriate  head.  This  will  often  aid 
materially  in  an  appropriate  selection. 

While  it  has  been  my  aim  to  prepare  as  clear  and  practical  a 
guide  as  possible  for  the  sick-room  and  domestic  practice,  I  have 
had  no  wish  to  produce  a  work  to  supersede  the  labor  of  the 
physician. 

No  one  who  has  not  devoted  years  to  the  investigation  of  the 
human  system,  the  causes  of  sickness,  the  power  of  remedial 
agents,  and  who  is  not  able  to  look  beneath  the  surface  and  trace 
from  apparent  unimportant  symptoms  the  true  seat  and  cause  of 


PREFACE.  V 

the  difficulty,  is  capable  of  grappling  with  all  forms  of  disease 
and  of  fulfilling  the  high  and  holy  duties  of  the  physician.  The 
responsibility  which  rests  on  him  is  a  fearful,  an  awful  one.  It 
is  no  light  thing  to  stand,  as  it  were,  between  life  and  death,  to 
rekindle  the  flickering  lamp,  almost  extinct,  to  call  back  the 
fleeting  breath,  to  arrest  the  downward  course,  and  drive  back 
that  cold  shadowy  form,  whose  awful  presence  is  already  blanch- 
ing the  cheek  and  chilling  the  blood. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  work  I  have  advanced  no  new, 
strange  and  unheard  of  theory  of  disease  and  its  treatment,  but 
have  aimed  to  make  a  plain  and  practical  family  guide,  in  which 
may  be  found  a  description  of  the  human  system,  hints  for  the 
prevention  of  disease,  and  its  treatment  after  its  seeds  have  be- 
come implanted  in  the  human  system.  Happy  will  I  be,  if  any 
effort  of  mine  shall  be  the  means  of  diffusing  a  correct  know- 
ledge of  the  human  system  "  so  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made," 
and  of  alleviating  in  the  slightest  degree  the  vast  amount  of  hu- 
man suffering. 


PREFACE 

TO    THE    SECOND    EDITION. 

THE  rapid  sale  of  the  first  edition,  of  three  thousand  copies, 
in  but  a  little  over  two  years,  is  a  gratifying  assurance,  that  the 
plan  and  general  scope  of  the  work  have  been  well  adapted 
to  the  wants  of  the  community. 

It  is  believed  the  present  edition  will  be  still  more  worthy 
the  patronage  of  the  public. 

In  the  description  of  disease  the  author  has  aimed  to  be  as 
clear  as  possible,  and  in  the  treatment  all  the  new  remedies  of 
importance  have  been  introduced,  the  dose  has  been  carefully 
given,  and  great  pains  taken  to  make  the  whole  clear  and  in- 
telligent. 

It  is  confidently  believed  that  the  work  will  prove  a  valuable 
aid  to  the  student,  and  a  convenient  and  trustworthy  family  me- 
dical companion. 

The  author  takes  this  opportunity  of  acknowledging  his  in- 
debtedness to  numerous  eminent  physicians  in  different  parts 
of  the  country  who  have  kindly  offered  suggestions  and  contri- 
buted important  medical  facts. 

These  suggestions  and  medical  facts,  it  is  believed  have  ma- 
terially increased  the  value  of  the  work. 

NEW-YORK,  1856, 

19  West  22d-st 


VI 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS, 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTION . 1 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  REMEDIES 12 

DIETETIC  RULES 15 

LIST  OF  MEDICINES 18 

DESCRIPTION  OF  PLATES..  .  488 


PAKT    I. 

DESCRIPTION   AND   TREATMENT   OF   DISEASE. 
CHAPTER   I. 

FEVERS. 

FEVER.  Simp  e  Fever.  Inflammatory  Fever.  Nervous  or 
Typhoid  Fever.  Yellow  Fever.  Bilious  Remittent  or  Bi- 
iious  Fever  Intermittent  Fever 25 

CHAPTER  II. 

CUTANEOUS     DISEASES. 

ERUPTIVE  FEVERS.  1.  Nettle-Rash.  Scarlet-Rash.  Scarlet- 
Fever.  Measles.  Erysipelas.  Chicken-Pox.  Small-Pox. 
Varioloid. 

2.  GENERAL  CUTANEOUS  DISEASES.  Itch.  Itching  of  the  skin. 
Scald-Head.  Milk-Crust.  Ringworm.  Herpes.  Tetter. 
Acne.  Chilblains.  Excoriation.  Felon.  Ulcers.  Boils. 
Abscess.  Swelling  of  the  glands.  Warts.  Corns 55 

CHAPTER  III. 

AFFECTIONS     OF     THE     STOMACH     AND    BOWELS. 

Dyspepsy.  Loss  of  appetite.  Morbid  appetite.  Nausea.  Vo- 
miting. Sea-Sickness.  Spasms  and  pain  in  the  stojmach, 

vii 


VU1  TABLE    OF   CONTENTS. 

PAOB 

Colic.  Inflammation  of  the  liver.  Jaundice.  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  Spleen.  Inflammation  of  the  Stomach.  In- 
flammation of  the  Bowels.  Diarrhoea.  Dysentery.  Cho- 
lera Morbus.  Asiatic  Cholera.  Constipation.  Piles 93 

CHAPTER  IV. 

AFFECTIONS  Or  THE  WINDPIPE  AND  CHEST. 

1.  THE  WINDPIPE  AND  LUNGS.  Hoarseness.  Loss  of  voice. 
Influenza  in  the  head ;  general ;  typhoid.  Cough.  Pleurisy. 
False  Pleurisy.  Pneumonia.  False  Pneumonia.  Laryn- 
gitis. Bronchitis.  Haemoptysis.  Congestion  of  the  Chest. 
Pulmonary  Consumption.  Asthma. 

2  THE  HEART.  Acute  Disease  of  the  Heart ;  Chronic  Pal- 
pitation of  the  Heart 157 

CHAPTER  V. 

AFFECTIONS     OF     THE     HIND. 

Insanity ;  moral ;  intellectual  and  incoherent.  Monomania. 
Various  affections  of  the  Mind.  Hysteria . . . 205 

CHAPTER  VI. 

AFFECTIONS     OF     THE     HEAD. 

Headache.  Nervous  Headache.  Sick-Headache.  Dizziness. 
Apoplexy.  Inflammation  of  the  brain.  Sun-Stroke.  Fall- 
ing off  of  the  Hair 218 

CHAPTER  VII. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EYES,  EARS  AND  NOSE. 

1.  THE  EYES.     Weakness  of  sight.    Inflammation  of  the  eyes  ; 
catarrhal,  rheumatic,  syphilitic,   and  scrofulous-     Inflamma- 
tion of  the  eyelids.     Stye   on   the   eyelids.     Watery  Eyes. 
Near-Sighteclness.    Foreign  Substances  in  the  eyes.    Falling 
of  the  lid. 

2.  THE  EARS.     Mumps.     Inflammation  of  the  ears.     Earache 
Deafness.     Noises  in  the  ears.     Running  of  the  ears.     Fo- 
reign substances  in  the  ears. 

3.  THE  NOSE.     Inflammation    of  the  Nose.      Bleeding  o£  the 
Nose.     Ulceration  of  the  Nose..  .  233 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


PAGE 
CHAPTER  VIII 

AFFECTIONS     OF     THE    TF.ETH,    MOUTH     AND    THROAT. 

Treatment  of  the  teeth.     Toothache.    Offensive  breath.    Gum 
boil.     Scurvy.     Canker  of  the  Mouth.     Salivation.      Inflam- 
mation of  the  tongue.     Swelling  under  the  tongue.     Defects 
of  speech.     Sore  throat  ----  .............................  256 

CHAPTER  IX. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys.  Inflammation  of  the  bladder. 
Suppression  and  Retention  of  Urine.  Urinary  Calculi.  Dia- 
betes. Incontinence  of  Urine.  Seminal  emissions.  Go- 
norrhoea. Syphilis  ....................................  274 

CHAPTER   X. 

ENERAL      AFFECTIONS. 

Rheumatism.  Gout.  Lumbago.  Neuralgia.  Prosopalgia. 
Tic-Doloureux.  Neuralgia  of  the  Face,  of  the  Heart,  of  the 
Spinal-Marrow.  Pain  in  the  Hip.  Paralysis.  Epilepsy. 
St.  Vitus's  Dance.  Lock-jaw.  Tetanus.  Hydrophobia. 
Delirium  Tremens.  Tuberculosis.  Scrofula.  Cancer. 
Dropsy,  Cellular,  of  the  bowels,  of  the  chest  ............  291 

CHAPTER    XI. 

DISEASES     OF     WOMEN. 

Retention  or  Suppression  of  the  Menses.  Painful  Menstruation. 
Profuse  Menstruation.  Irregular  Menstruation.  Cessation 
of  Menses.  Change  of  Life.  Green-Sickness.  Leucor- 
rhoea.  Falling  of  the  womb. 

PREGNANCY.     Derangements  during  pregnancy. 

Morning-Sickness.  Constipation.  Diarrhoea.  Dizziness  and 
headache.  Fainting  hysteric  fits.  Toothache.  Itching  of 
the  privates.  Varicose  Veins.  Piles.  Pains  in  the  back 
and  side.  Cramps.  Derangements  of  the  Urinary  organs. 
Miscarriage. 

Parturition.  False  pains.  Labor,  cramps,  convulsions,  during 
labor. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


•  PAGE 

TREATMENT  AFTER  DELIVERY.  After  Pains.  Duration  of  con- 
finement. The  Breasts.  Milk-Fever.  Suppressed  secre- 
tion of  Milk.  Sore  Nipples.  Gathered  Breasts-  The 
Lochia  Childbed-Fever 328 

CHAPTER   Xlf. 

TREATMENT    OF     CHILDREN'. 

1.  THE  INFANT.      Its  clothing  and  food.      Artificial    feeding. 
Weaning.     Cleanliness,  air  and  exercise.     Wet  nurse. 

2.  DISEASE  OF  CHILDREN.     Apparent  death  of  new-born  infant. 
Swelling  of  the  head.     Cold  in  the  head.     Colic,  crying  and 
wakefulness.     Swelling  of  the  breasts.     Inflammation  of  the 
eyes.     Excoriation.   -Heat-spots.      Jaundice.      Retention  of 
Urine.      Constipation.      Convulsions.       Diarrhtea.      Teeth- 
ing.    Dropsy  of  the  brain.  Infantile  remittent  fever.  Worms. 
Summer-Complaint.     Cholera  Infantum.     Croup.     Hooping- 
Cough.     Asthma.     Vaccination 371 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

EXTERNAL  INJURIES.  Burns  and  Scalds.  Frozen  limbs. 
Sprains.  Concussions.  Dislocations.  Fractures.  Wounds. 
Poisoned  Wounds 430 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

POISONS    AND    THEIR    ANTIDOTES 437 

CHAPTER  XV. 

REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

1.  ACTUAIL  DEATH.     Causes   of  death.      Signs   indicating  the 
approach  of  death. 

2.  APPARENT  DEATH.    Apparent  death  from  drowning,  hanging, 
smothering,  noxious  gases,  hunger,  freezing,  lightning,  from 
afall .  443 


TAEf^E    OF    CONTENTS.  XI 


PAGE 

PART     II. 

CHAPTER    I. 

ANATOMY.  Anatomy  of  the  bones  ;  the  muscles  ;  the  brain  and 
nervous  system ;  .  organs  of  digestion ;  Urinary  organs  ; 
respiration  and  circulation  ;  the  akin;  the  teeth  ;  the  eye 430 

CHAPTER    II. 

PHYSIOLOGY.  The  structure  of  the  system  ;  perspiration ;  nu- 
trition ;  digestion  ;  circulation  of  the  blood 493 

CHAPTER    III. 

HYGIENE  AND  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  Climate ;  changes  of 
temperature.  Cleanliness.  Diet.  Exercise.  Bathing,  its 
varieties  and  uses  ;  Shower-bath  ;  Sitting-bath.  Drop-bath- 
The  Douche.  Wet  Bandages.  Wet  Sheet.  Tepid  and 
Vapor  baths.  Influence  of  the  mind  on  disease.  Hereditary 
taint.  Moral,  intellectual,  and  physical  education 514 

CHAPTER  IV. 

TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE.  Allopathy.  Homoeopathy.  Infini- 
tesimal doses. 556 

CHAPTER     V 

MATERIA  MEDICA ' , 574 

GLOSSARY .  635 


• 


INTEODUCTIO^. 

SOME  general  directions  as  it  regards  the  importance 
of  various  symptoms,  the  varieties  of  constitution  and 
temperament,  the  detection  of  the  peculiar  nature  of 
disease,  may  appropriately  be  introduced  in  this  place. 
In  prescribing  homoeopathically,  it  is  of  high  importance 
that  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  disease  should  be  un- 
derstood. In  loosing  sight  of  the  great  landmarks,  in 
seizing  hold  of  an  isolated  symptom  and  prescribing 
carelessly  or  at  random  very  little  good  is  eifected,  and 
sometimes,  much  positive  harm  done.  Let  us  make 
plain  then  a  few  prominent  points,  the  correct  knowledge 
of  which  may  enable  the  patient  to  understand  more 
readily  the  character  and  progress  of  the  disease  and 
the  presence  of  danger. 

VARIETIES    OF   CONSTITUTION   AND    TEMPERAMENT. 

>  A  plethoric  constitution,  is  characterized  by  a  florid 
complexion,  frame  full  and  robust,  activity  and  strength 
of  body,  and  a  strong  and  full  pulse.  There  is  an  acti- 
vity in  the  circulative  system,  and  a  predisposition  to 
local  or  general  congestion. 

A  feeble  constitution,  is  directly  the  opposite  of  the 
foregoing.  There  is  a  deficiency  in  the  generation  of 
natural  heat,  and  a  tendency  to  become  fatigued  from 
slight  exertions.  The  pulse  is  feeble  and  soft.  The  per- 
son is  peculiarly  subject  to  diseases  characterized  by  in- 
activity in  certain  functions,  or  great  relaxation. 

A  bilious  constitution,  is  recognized  by  a  dark,  or  yel- 
low skin,  by  a  predisposition  to  a  derangement  and  irre- 
gularities of  the  digestive  functions,  and  a  tendency  to 
constipation,  piles,  &c. 


INTRODUCTION. 


An  apoplectic  constitution  may  be  known  by  the  large 
head  almost  buried  between  the  shoulders,  short,  thick 
neck,  thick  set  frame,  slow  full  pulse,  and  tendency  of 
blood  to  the  brain. 

A  nervous  constitution,  is  characterized  by  extreme 
sensitiveness  and  excitability  of  body  and  mind.  The 
pulse  is  variable,  quickly  changing  from  rapid  to  slow. 
The  patient  is  liable  to  nervous  disorders,  and  those  spas- 
modic affections,  which  are  not  readily  referable  to  any 
direct  cause. 

A  lymphatic,  or  mucous  contitution,  may  be  recognized 
by  the  light  complexion,  the  frame  full  and  rounded,  but 
the  flesh  soft  and  flaccid,  and  the  muscular  fibre  yielding 
and  relaxed.  The  circulation  is  sluggish,  the  pulse  slow, 
the  generation  of  heat  deficient,  and  there  is  also  a  sen- 
sitiveness to  cold.  The  patient  is  subject  to  slow  and 
sluggish  affections,  to  catarrhal  diseases,  abscesses,  accu- 
mulations of  water  about  various  organs.  Acute  dis- 
eases are  also  liable  to  assume  a  chronic  form  and  run  a 
slow  and  tedious  course. 

The  catarrhal  or  rheumatic  constitution,  is  similar  to 
the  last,  and  is  particularly  characterized  by  want  of  vi- 
tality in  the  skin,  which  is  easily  affected  by  external 
circumstances. 

The  consumptive  constitution  may  be  known  by  the 
clear  transparent  skin,  often  with  a  bright  spot  on  the 
cheek,  flatness  of  the  chest,  slender  and  fragile  form, 
long  and  spare  neck,  rapid  growth,  quick  and  small  pulse, 
long  slender  fingers  with  large  joints.  The  patient  is 
peculiarly  liable  to  affections  of  the  lungs. 

There  is  only  one  more  variety  of  constitution  to 
which  it  will  be  necessary  to  refer.  It  is  characterized 
by  a  tendency  to  ulcerative  sores,  particularly  of  the 
glands,  unhealthy  secretions  from  the  skin,  and  various 
forms  of  eruption.  Both  this  and  the  preceding  variety 


VARIETIES    OF    CONSTITUTION. 


may  be  considered  as  modifications  of  the  tuberculous 
habit. 

In  the  sanguiiw  temperament — generally  found  in  a 
plethoric  constitution — there  is  great  animation  and 
buoyancy  of  spirits,  the  bodily  health  is  generally  good, 
but  when  disease  does  attack  the  system  it  runs  a  rapid 
and  severe  course. 

Cftoleric  temperament  is  generally  found  in  the  Wivvs 
".onstitution.  The  increased  and  altered  secretion  of 
bile  reacting  on  the  moral  and  mental  faculties  has  a 
tendency  to  engender  ill-humor,  outbursts  of  rage,  and 
even  a  revengeful  and  malignant  temper  whenever  ex- 
cited. The  complexion  is  generally  of  a  yellowish  tinge, 
the  muscular  fibre  hard,  wiry,  and  tightly  strung.  The 
patient  is  subject  to  bilious  derangements,  which  are 
sometimes  even  provoked  by  violent  fits  of  excitement. 

The  phlegmatic  temperament,  generally  associated 
with  the  feeble  or  lymphatic  constitution,  is  characte- 
rized by  slow  operations  of  both  the  mental  and  bodily 
functions,  and  tardiness  and  weakness  of  the  reactionary 
power. 

A  melancholic  temperament  is  readily  known  by  the 
meditative,  gloomy,  or  retiring  disposition.  Impressions 
are  deep  and  lasting,  and  there  is  a  tendency  to  look  on 
the  dark  side  and  brood  often  in  secret  over  things, 
which  in  the  mind  of  others  would  be  speedily  forgotten. 
The  patient  is  seldom  subject  to  violent  impulses  or  sud- 
den impressions,  and  is  liable  to  diseases  of  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  which  often  assume  a  chronic  character. 

THE  PULSE. 

Not  only  the  frequency,  but  the  peculiar  beat  of  the 
pulse  is  of  vast  importance  to  the  correct  diagnosis  and 
proper  treatment  of  disease. 

In  feeling  the  pulse,  it  should  be  done  as  gently  as 
possible,  as  unnecessary  parade  may  needlessly  alarm 


INTRODUCTION. 


the  patient.  Three  fingers  may  be  placed  on  the  wrist 
directly  back  of  the  root  of  the  thumb  and  the  joint  of 
the  wrist,  and  just  within  the  external  bone  of  the  arm. 
Slightly  compressing  the  wrist  with  the  fingers,  and 
holding  there  for  a  moment  you  will  be  able  to  notice 
not  only  the  frequency  but  the  peculiar  character  of  the 
pulse.  Its  rapidity  may  be  easily  measured  by  the 
second  hand  of  a  watch.  Notice  whether  it  beats  with 
regularity,  full  and  soft,  whether  by  compression  it  may 
be  rendered  so  indistinct  as  scarcely  to  be  felt,  whether 
it  is  strong  and  bounding,  almost  forcing  the  fingers  from 
the  arm,  or  hard,  or  small  and  wiry  like  the  vibration  of 
a  string,  or  intermittent,  striking  a  few  beats  and  then 
apparently  stopping  for  one  beat,  or  the  pulsations  flow- 
ing into  each  other  small,  and  almost  imperceptible. 

It  will  of  course  be  necessary  to  understand  the  beat 
of  the  healthy  pulse,  and  what  its  different  varieties 
may  indicate  in  disease. 

Healthy  pulse.  The  beat  of  the  healthy  pulse  depends 
much  upon  age,  sex,  constitution  and  temperament. 

In  the  adult  male,  of  medium  size,  it  generally  num- 
bers from  70  to  75  beats  in  a  minute. 

In  the  adult  female,  it  is  not  generally  so  strong  and 
full  as  in  the  male,  and  usually  numbers  from  76  to  84 
beats  in  the  minute. 

In  a  person  between  the  ages  of  seven  and  fourteen  it 
should  number  from  80  to  85  beats  in  the  minute. 

After  teething  and  until  the  age  of  about  seven  there 
are  generally  from  85  to  96  beats  in  the  minute. 

In  infancy,  previous  to  teething,  the  pulse  varies  from 
100  to  120  beats  in  the  minute. 

After  man  has  reached  the  prime  of  life,  and  enters  on 
the  descending  scale,  which  generally  takes  place  in  our 
climate  between  the  ages  of  forty-five  and  sixty  years, 
the  pulse  becomes  still  slower,  numbering  in  the  male 
about  70  and  in  the  female  75  beats  in  the  minute. 


THE    PULSE. 


As  the  person  advances  to  old  age,  the  frequency  of 
the  pulse  is  still  further  diminished,  until  in  the  male 
there  may  be  only  from  55  to  60,  and  in  the  female  from 
65  to  70  beats  in  the  minute. 

I  have  given  the  usual  standard  of  the  pulse  in  health 
in  the  various  stages  of  life,  although  cases  are  by  no 
means  rare,  when  in  perfect  health  it  may  be  much 
lower  or  higher  than  I  have  stated.  If,  however,  the 
skin  is  moist  and  at  a  natural  heat,  this  would  be  no  in- 
dication of  disease.  The  pulse  also  may  vary  before  or 
after  a  meal,  and  be  excited  or  depressed  from  exercise 
or  influence  of  mental  emotion.  We  should  of  course  be 
cautious  in  attributing  this  temporary  change  to  the  in- 
fluence of  disease. 

VARIETIES    OF   PULSE    IN   DISEASE. 

The  rapid  or  accelerated  pulse  is  indicative  of  inflam- 
mation or  fever,  especially  if  strong,  full  and  hard,  if 
small  and  very  rapid,  it  indicates  a  low  state  of  debility, 
such  as  is  often  present  in  the  latter  stage  of  typhoid 
fever. 

The  slow  pulse,  if  not  habitual,  may  indicate  debility 
or  tendency  of  blood  to  the  head,  or  especially,  if  full  and 
strong,  pressure  on  the  brain.  It  is  also  generally  found 
in  old  age. 

The  hard  or  wiry  pulse  is  generally  indicative  of  a 
high  state  of  inflammation,  although  in  old  age  it  may 
be  occasioned  by  a  hardening  or  ossification  of  the  ar- 
teries. 

The  changeable  or  unequal  pulse  indicates  a  derange- 
ment of  the  nervous  system,  and  not  unfrequently  organic 
disease  of  the  heart. 

The  intermittent  pulse  generally  shows  an  organic  dis- 
ease or  spasmodic  condition  of  the  heart.  It  is  some- 
times occasioned  by  intestinal  affections. 

The  full  strong  pulse  indicates  a  full  habit,  while  the 


6  INTRODUCTION. 


weak  pulse  denotes  impoverished  blood  and  a  feeble  state 
of  the  system. 

THE    URINE. 

The  appearance  of  the  urine  in  health  is  slightly  varied 
by  age,  sex,  occupation,  food  and  the  season  of  the  year. 
It  should  be  of  a  brightish  yellow  or  straw  color,  pos- 
sessed of  a  slight  ammoniacal  smell,  devoid  of  unpleasant 
odor,  and  precipitating  no  sediment  on  standing.  In  old 
age,  however,  the  urine  may  be  slightly  offensive,  and 
darker  in  color  than  in  early  life,  and  in  females  a  slight 
sediment  is  not  always  an  unhealthy  sign.  In  persons 
leading  an  active  life,  the  urine  is  of  a  darker  color  than 
in  those  of  sedentary  habits.  Different  varieties  of  food 
may  also  produce  a  sensible  effect  upon  the  color  and 
smell  of  the  urine. 

The  urine  should  not  be  examined,  until  five  or  six 
hours  after  a  meal  have  elapsed,  when  it  should  be  set 
aside  in  a  moderate  and  even  temperature  for  an  hour 
or  two. 

VARIETIES    OF    URINE    AND    THEIR    INDICATIONS. 

In  various  forms  of  disease  the  appearance,  quantity 
and  smell  of  the  urine,  are  important  diagnostic  signs  of 
the  state  and  progress  of  the  disease,  and  should  be  care- 
fully observed. 

In  cases  of  fever,  as  the  disease  approaches  a  crisis,  the 
previously  clear  urine  becomes  thick,  and  forms  a  half 
floating  cloud.  If  this  cloud  sink,  a  favorable  crisis  may 
be  expected,  while  on  the  contrary  if  it  remain  buoyant 
near  the  top,  a  somewhat  unfavorable  issue  may  be  anti- 
cipated. 

As  the  crisis  of  the  disease  declares  itself,  when  the 
urine  has  been  perfectly  clear  before,  a  sediment  is  now 
perceptible,  and  in  those  cases  where  the  urine  has  been 
thick  and  turbid,  the  same  sediment  is  perceptible,  but 


VARIETIES    OF    URINE. 


the  urine  above  it  is  clear  and  transparent.  If  the  sedi- 
ment is  of  a  smooth,  light  or  greyish  color,  and  is  deposit- 
ed shortly  after  emission,  it  is  a  favorable  indication,  but 
if  it  should  be  dark  or  black,  it  denotes  a  putrid  state,  if 
bilious  or  red,  it  indicates  a  rheumatic  or  intermittent 
type  of  the  disease,  and  if  it  is  disturbed,  heavy,  muddy 
or"  of  a  purple  color,  forming  half  of  the  whole  quantity 
discharged,  it  is  an  unfavorable  sign. 

The  red  or  high  colored  urine,  if  the  pulse  be  accele- 
rated, indicates  the  presence  of  fever.  Urine  of  a  saffron 
color  marks  the  presence  of  bile  in  the  blood,  and  shows 
derangement  of  the  liver. 

If  matter  is  found  in  the  urine,  it  shows  that  suppu- 
ration is  going  on  internally. 

In  children,  a  milky  appearance  of  the  urine  is  looked 
upon  as  an  indication  of  worms  in  the  intestines.  A  very 
light  or  watery  appearance  of  the  urine  may  denote  some 
disturbance  of  the  nervous  system. 

Copious  perspiration  or  watery  diarrhoea  may  'cause  a 
decrease  in  the  secretion  of  urine. 

The  appearance  of  the  urine  may  indicate  the  presence 
of  Diabetes,  or  tendency  to  various  forms  of  calculi  in 
the  bladder  and  kidneys. 

The  voiding  of  a  large  quantity  of  straw  colored  urine 
of  a  disagreeable  odor  and  of  a  sweetish  taste,  may  de- 
note the  presence  of  Diabetes.  The  lithic  or  uric  aoid 
calculus  is  shown  by  the  red  brick  dust  sediment. 

The  calculi  formed  by  the  combination  of  phosphoric 
acid,  magnesia  and  ammonia,  is  indicated  by  fetid  urine 
and  a  whitish  mortar-like  sediment.  For  a  description 
of  the  above,  together  with  other  forms  of  calculi,  see 
that  subject  in  the  chapter  on  urinary  affections. 

THE    STOOLS,   FLATULENCE,  &C. 

Light  colored  or  whitish  stools  indicate  a  deficiency  of 
bile  and  a  torpid  condition  of  the  liver ;  when  the  stools 


8  INTRODUCTION. 


are  very  dark  a  profuse  quantity  of  bile  is  present. 
When  the  bowels  are  very  much  constipated  a  febrile 
or  torpid  condition  of  the  bowels  is  indicated. 

Relaxed  stools  indicate  much  nervous  irritability  of 
the  system  or  the  presence  of  inflammation ;  when  they 
are  purely  involuntary  they  indicate  a  paralysis  of  the 
intestines  and  not  unfrequently  occur  in  the  last  stage  of 
sinking  fevers. 

Dysenteric  stools  are  painful,  accompanied  with  strain- 
ing and  usually  consist  of  blood,  or  blood  and  mucus. 

Accumulation  of  wind  in  the  stomach  and  intestines 
is  generally  the  result  of  indigestion  and  in  children 
sometimes  indicates  worms 

NAUSEA    AND    VOMITING. 

If  nausea  is  accompanied  by  severe  pain  in  the  right 
side  there  may  be  inflammation  of  the  liver ;  if  preceded 
by  severe  pain  in  the  head  it  may  be  sympathetic.  If 
the  nausea  is  habitual  we  may  fear  organic  derange- 
ment of  the  stomach  ;  if  food  and  drink  are  vomited  as 
soon  as  swallowed  we  may  apprehend  inflammation. 

Habitual  vomiting  in  the  morning  accompanied  with 
cramps  sometimes  indicates  gravel. 

The  stomach  sympathises  with  almost  every  organ  in 
the  body  and  nausea  not  unfrequently  exists  in  connec- 
tion with  derangement  of  the  stomach,  kidneys,  brain  or 
chest 

INDICATIONS   OF   COUGH. 

A  short  dry  cough  and  sneezing  may  mark  the  first 
stage  of  influenza  or  be  the  precursor  of  measles  and 
other  eruptive  diseases. 

Cough  is  sometimes  produced  by  indigestion  and  in 
this  case  it  can  only  be  cured  by  overcoming  that  diffi- 
culty. 

A  loud  barking  cough  indicates  bronchial  difficulty 


INDICATIONS    OF    COUGH.  9 

and  in  children  may  indicate  croup.     A  hacking  cough 
with  pain  and  fever  points  to  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 
In  Asthma  the  cough  is  accompanied  with  a  wheezing 
or  whistling  respiration  and  difficulty  of  breathing. 

GENERAL   DIAGNOSIS. 

In  the  investigation  of  disease,  to  form  a  correct  idea 
of  its  character  and  the  treatment  necessary  to  produce 
relief,  there  are  several  important  points  to  be  taken  into 
consideration,  aside  from  the  symptoms  as  they  casually 
present  themselves  to  the  eye. 

The  age  and  sex  of  the  patient  should  be  borne  in 
mind,  and  the  diseases  most  likely  to  occur  in  the  suc- 
cessive stages  of  life  should  not  be  forgotten. 

When  man  lives  his  appointed  time,  dying  not  of  dis- 
ease but  of  old  age,  there  is  a  regular  ascending  scale  up 
to  a  certain  point,  whicn  turned,  he  commences  the  de- 
scending path  of  life.  Each  of  these  several  stages  or 
steps  is  characterized  by  certain  peculiarities. 

In  the  first  period  of  childhood,  extending  to  the  time 
of  teething,  the.  little  being  is  extremely  susceptible  to 
external  influences,  and  liable  to  disease  from  the  slight- 
est causes.  The  whole  nervous  system  is  exceedingly 
sensitive  and  the  little-  patient  peculiarly  liable  to  affec- 
tions of  the  brain  and  spasmodic  attacks.  This  period 
should  be  closely  watched  (see  chapter  on  diseases  of 
children.) 

In  the  second  and  third  stages,  extending  from  teeth- 
ing to  about  the  seventh  and  fourteenth  year,  there  is  a 
want  of  firmness  in  the  fibre  of  the  system,  a  suscepti- 
bility to  fatigue  and  the  consequent  necessity  of  a  larger 
amount  of  rest  than  in  later  years.  There  is  a  liability 
to  affections  of  the  brain  and  respiratory  organs. 

The  next  stage,  extending  to  the  twenty  or  twenty-fifth 
year,  during  which  the  system  is  approaching  maturity, 
is  one  of  the  most  important  periods  of  our  existence. 
1* 


10  INTRODUCTION. 


It  is  during  this  period  that  the  seeds  of  constitutional 
disease  are  most  liable  to  ripen  into  a  fatal  harvest,  and 
now  when  the  passions  are  strongest,  there  is  danger  by 
their  abuse  of  being  thrown  from  a  proper  balance,  into 
a  too  powerful  exertion  of  the  mind  and  body,  thus 
sowing  the  seeds  of  diseases,  which  may  be  a  torment  in 
after  life  and  end  in  early  death. 

After  a  person  has  reached  the  age  of  fifty-five  or  sixty 
years,  he  generally  begins  to  feel  that  he  is  growing  old ; 
the  functions  of  the  body  may  become  less  active,  and 
the  mind,  notwithstanding  it  may  be  equally  strong,  less 
active  in  its  movements.  As  year  after  year  rolls  away, 
he  is  made  aware  in  the  stiffness  of  the  joints,  in  the 
gradual  blunting  of  the  faculties  of  perception  and  sen- 
sation, that  he  is  rapidly  treading  the  downhill  of  life. 
During  this  stage,  he  is  peculiarly  subject  to  paralysis  of 
various  organs,  deafness,  blindness,  apoplexy,  asthma,  &c. 
Constitution  and  temperament,  are  also  important  points 
of  inquiry,  a  proper  understanding  of  which  will  aid  ma- 
terially in  the  correct  selection  and  administration  of 
remedies.  The  cause  of  the  disease  should  by  no  means 
be  overlooked  ;  the  previous  habits  of  the  patient  should 
be  ascertained,  and  in  cases  of  long  standing,  or  when 
there  is  reason  to  suspect  hereditary  taint,  the  health  of 
the  parents,  and  even  grand-parents,  should  be  known, 
also  whether  at  any  time  during  the  previous  life  of  the 
patient  he  has  been  afflicted  with  either  eruptions,  or 
other  diseases,  which  might  not  have  been  entirely  era- 
dicated from  the  system,  or  whether  the  medicines  given 
might  not  have  engendered  other  diseases  more  painful 
and  lasting  than  the  former.  An  understanding  of  the 
cause  of  the  disease  will  often  be  a  sure  guide  to  the 
selection  of  the  remedy. 

Thus  diseases  resulting  from  contusions,  sprains,  &c. 
would  indicate  Arnica.  In  a  rheumatic  affection  pro- 
duced by  dampness,  or  getting  wet,  we  should  think  of 


INTRODUCTION.  11 


Affections  produced  by  grief  or  chagrin  would 
require  Ignatia,  while  those  occasioned  by  fear  would  in- 
dicate Opium.  Diarrhoea  occasioned  by  cold  requires 
Dulcamara.  Derangement  of  the  stomach  with  nausea 
under  certain  circumstances  would  yield  to  Ipecac.,  but 
if  the  disturbance  was  occasioned  by  eating  fatty  food, 
the  Ipecac,  would  be  ineffectual  and  Pulsatilla  be  re- 
quired. 

The  mind  should  also  be  directed  to  exposures  to  heat 
or  cold,  dampness,  unhealthy  air,  food  and  clothing, 
miasmata,  contagions,  errors  of  diet,  abuse  of  spirituous 
liquors,  and  the  various  causes  which  would  have  a  ten- 
dency to  produce  disease. 

Finally,  the  patient  should  be  permitted  to  explain  in 
his  own  words,  his  general  sufferings,  and  the  character 
and  location  of  the  pain.  It  should  be  ascertained  whe- 
ther the  pain  comes  on  at  intervals,  or  is  uninterrupted, 
how  long  it  continues  and  whether  it  is  worse  during  the 
day,  or  at  night,  what  peculiar  symptoms  it  is  associated 
with ;  and  such  other  questions,  as  will  guide  to  an 
accurate  knowledge  of  the  disease.  For  directions  as  to 
the  administration  of  remedies,  see  the  following  chapter. 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  REMEDIES. 

Too  much  care  cannot  be  taken  in  selecting  the  reme- 
dy. The  symptoms  should  be  closely  compared  with 
those  delineated  under  the  heads  of  that  class  of  remedies 
most  likely  to  be  indicated.  The  cause  of  the  disease 
has  also  an  important  bearing  in  the  selection  of  the  me- 
dicine. The  mind  should  be  directed  to  the  leading 
symptoms,  the  pecularities  of  the  disease,  and  notwith- 
standing it  is  not  necessary  that  all  the  symptoms  noted 
should  be  present,  yet  the  utmost  care  should  be  taken, 
that  there  are  no  symptoms  present  not  covered  by  the 
medicine,  or  at  least  more  strongly  indicating  another. 
The  totality  of  the  symptoms  or  the  symptoms  taken  as 
a  whole,  should  be  the  guide. 

THE    DOSE    AND    ITS    REPETITION. 

No  definite  rule  can  be  given  as  to  the  amount  of  the 
dose  in  all  cases.  Difference  in  age,  sex,  temperament 
and  constitution  renders  variation  both  in  the  quantity 
of  the  dose  and  the  frequency  with  which  is  repeated 
absolutely  essential.  The  idea  would  be  preposterous 
to  give  the  infant,  with  its  highly  excitable  nervous  or- 
ganization, the  same  quantity  of  medicine  and  at  the 
same  intervals  as  at  a  much  later  period  of  life,  or  who 
who  would  think  of  giving  the  highly  excitable  and  ner- 
vous temperament  or  those  possessed  of  acute  and  ex- 
ceedingly sensitive  feeling  the  same  strength  of  medi- 
cine as  would  be  required  by  the  cold  and  phlegmatic 
constitution  and  temperament? 

During  the  few  years  of  infancy  and  early  childhood 
the  patient  is  usually  quite  susceptible  to  medicinal  in- 

12 


ADMINISTRATION   OF   REMEDIES.  13 

fluence  and  generally  requires  the  higher  potencies. 
Females  are  for  the  most  part  much  more  susceptible  to 
medicines  than  males,  therefore  the  higher  potencies 
may  as  a  general  thing  be  used  with  them  in  preference 
to  the  lower. 

The  sanguine  and  nervous  temperaments  are  usually 
quite  susceptible  to  remedies,  and  may  therefore  require 
the  higher  potencies,  while  the  bilious,  where  there  is 
less  susceptibility,  requires  the  lower  potencies,  given  at 
longer  intervals.  The  lympJiatic  also,  being  but  slightly, 
in  comparison  with  other  temperaments,  susceptible  to 
medicines,  requires  the  low  potencies  given  at  short  in- 
tervals. 

Some  persons  are  much  more  susceptible  to  one  class 
of  remedies  than  another,  rendering  it  absolutely  essen- 
tial that  those  particular  remedies  should  be  given  in  the 
high  potencies.  As  a  general  thing  in  acute  diseases, 
excepting  perhaps  in  young  children,  tinctures,  and  the 
low  potencies  should  be  used,  while  in  chronic  cases 
more  benefit  may  be  derived  from  the  higher  attenua- 
tions. 

In  my  own  practice  I  have  generally  confined  myself 
to  the  tinctures,  and  the  potencies  ranging  from  the  first 
to  the  twelfth,  more  frequently  giving  the  tinctures  or 
the  first,  third,  sixth,  or  twelfth  attenuation.  I  am 
satisfied  that  in  domestic  practice  the  lower  attenuations 
may  be  used  with  much  greater  safety  than  the  higher. 
In  the  preparation  of  the  medicines,  if  tinctures  are  used, 
one  drop  may  be  placed  in  a  tumbler  full  of  cold  water, 
if  intended  for  a  child  or  a  person  quite  susceptible  to 
medicine,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  at  a  dose.  If  intended 
for  an  adult  or  one  not  as  susceptible  to  medicine  two 
drops  may  be  prepared  in  the  same  way.  If  the  remedy 
is  stronger  than  is  necessary,  producing  an  aggravation 
of  symptoms,  a  teaspoonful  of  the  mixture,  prepared  as 
above,  may  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  full  of  cold  water, 


14  ADMINISTRATION   OF   REMEDIES. 

a  teaspoonful  of  which  may  be  given  at  a  dose.  In  the 
preparation  of  the  remedy,  pure  water  should  be  used, 
such  as  rain,  or  spring  water,  and  great  care  taken  that 
the  tumbler  and  spoon  are  perfectly  clean.  Both  should 
be  thoroughly  rinsed  several  times  in  pure  water,  and 
then  left  to  dry. 

The  medicine  should  be  dropped  into  the  tumbler  first, 
and  then  the  water  poured  in,  turning  it  from  one 
tumbler  into  an  other  several  times,  or  stirring  it  with  a 
spoon  until  is  thoroughly  mixed.  The  same  spoon  ought 
not  to  be  used  for  more  than  one  remedy  until  it  has 
been  cleanly  washed. 

If  the  triturations  are  used,  the  size  of  the  dose  should 
be  about  as  much  as  could  be  placed  on  a  three  cent 
piece,  or  taken  up  by  the  point  of  a  knife.  The  remedy 
should  be  placed  dry  on  the  tongue,  and  left  there  until 
dissolved. 

If  the  globules  or  pellets  are  used,  unless  more  spe- 
cific directions  are  given  in  the  body  of  the  work  in  con- 
nection with  the  disease,  six  of  them  may  be  dissolved 
in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  for  the  adult, 
and  a  teaspoonful  for  the  child,  given  at  a  dose.  The 
same  directions  as  it  regards  the  tumblers  and  mixing 
the  medicines 'may  be  observed  as  given  in  connection 
with  tinctures. 

The  globules  may  in  some  cases  act  more  promptly 
when  given  dry  on  the  tongue,  hence  it  is  often  advisable 
to  give  them  in  that  way.  By  the  adult,  in  these  cases, 
three  globules  may  be  taken  dry  on  the  tongue.  To  the 
child  one  or  two  globules  may  be  administered  in  the 
same  manner. 

In  acute  cases  especially,  the  symptoms  should  be 
watched  with  the  utmost  care,  and  the  remedy  be  con- 
tinued as  long  as  benefit  results  from  its  employment. 
The  medicine,  if  carefully  selected,  should  receive  a  fair 


ADMINISTRATION    OF    KEMEDIES.  15 

trial,  and  not  be  changed  frequently,  unless  there  are 
positive  indications  that  it  is  doing  harm. 

Often  a  medicinal  aggravation  may  be  seen  and  it  is 
important  that  the  aggravation  produced  by  medicine  be 
readily  distinguished  from  that  occasioned  by  disease. 
The  medicinal  aggravation  comes  on  suddenly  and  with- 
out previous  amelioration,  while  that  occasioned  by  dis- 
ease is  more  gradual  in  its  progress  and  generally  follows 
an  amelioration. 

In  mild  cases  one  dose  will  often  be  sufficient  to  remove 
the  disease.  In  the  chronic  case  a  long  continued  admi- 
nistration of  a  certain  remedy  may,  notwithstanding  its 
clear  indication,  render  the  system  less  susceptible  to  its 
influence.  In  these  cases,  a  few  doses  of  sulphur,  or  some 
other  remedy  closely  resembling  the  one  previously  ad- 
ministered may  be  given,  and  in  a  short  time,  if  it  be 
necessary,  the  patient  may  again  return  to  the  old  remedy. 

If,  either  in  acute  or  chronic  cases  an  amelioration  fol- 
lows each  administration,  the  intervals  may  be  gradually 
increased,  and  if,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  susceptibility 
to  its  influence  should  also  increase,  a  higher  potency 
may  be  given. 

The  medicines  should  not  be  taken  within  a  half  hour 
or  an  hour  of  eating,  either  before  or  after  a  meal.  The 
medicines  should  be  kept  in  a  clean  dark  place,  free  from 
odors.  Camphor  and  perfumery  of  all  kinds  should  be 
avoided  in  the  sick-room,  as  they  have  a  tendency  to  an- 
tidote the  remedy  given,  or  complicate  the  symptoms  of 
the  disease. 

RULES  FOR  DIET. 

In  the  successful  treatment  of  disease,  much  depends 
on  the  proper  diet  adopted  by  the  patient  during  the 
period  he  is  under  the  influence  of  the  remedy.  It 
is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  food  be  of  that 
variety,  which  will  neither  stimulate  the  system  too 


16  ADMINISTRATION    OF    REMEDIES. 

much,  nor  clog  it  in  its  operations,  and  excite  serious 
disturbances  by  throwing  labor  on  diseased  and  weakened 
organs,  which  they  are  unable  to  perform.  Not  only 
should  indigestible  substances  be  avoided,  but  also  those 
articles  of  food,  which  are  more  or  less  medicinal  in  their 
character.  By  indulging  in  either,  the  remedy  may  be 
antidoted,  or  at  least  new  symptoms  developed,  not  at 
the  time  distinguishable  from  those  produced  by  the 
disease,  thus  complicating  the  symptoms,  rendering  the 
diagnosis  imperfect,  and  frequently  causing  the  loss  of 
much  valuable  time.  We  can  only  give  here  some  ge- 
neral directions  as  it  regards  diet  when  under  treatment, 
as  different  articles  may  be  required  in  different  persons, 
and  in  the  numerous  varieties  of  disease. 


ALIMENTS    ALLOWED. 

Lemonade  and  other  mild  acid  drinks,  water,  pure  or  • 
mixed  with  currant  jelly,  raspberry  or  strawberry  syrup, 
and  sometimes  milk,  or  milk  and  water,  cocoa,  unspiced 
chocolate,  arrow-root,  farina,  barley-water,  rice-water. 
Beef  and  mutton-soup,  mutton,  beef,  venison  and  most 
kinds  of  game,  soft  boiled  eggs  and  fresh  butter. 

Occasionally  fish  such  as  trout,  cod,  haddock,  and  fresh 
scale  fish,  boiled,  or  if  fried  only  the  white  part  eaten. 
Also  oysters,  unless,  as  along  some  parts  of  the  sea-shore 
they  are  impregnated  with  copper. 

Among  vegetables,  potatoes,  green  peas,  cauliflower, 
spinach,  mild  turnips,  parsnips,  carrots,  rice,  hominy, 
pearl-barley. 

Fruits,  such  as  peaches,  raspberries,,  strawberries, 
oranges,  stewed  or  roasted  apples  and  pears,  also  prunes, 
grapes,  &c.  They  should  be  perfectly  ripe  and  fresh. 

Bread^  light  and  not  newly  baked,  and  biscuit  free 
from  soda  or  potash. 

Puddings  such  as  rice,  arrow-root,  sago,  tapioca,  ma- 


ADMINISTRATION    OF    REMEDIES.  17 


caroni,  vermicelli,  &c.    Salt  and  sugar  should  be  used 
sparingly. 

ALIMENTS    PROHIBITED. 

Kich  and  highly  seasoned  soups,  such  as,  turtle  or 
mock  turtle ;  pork,  veal,  bacon,  duck,  goose,  liver,  and 
all  varieties  of  salt  meats  and  salt  fish,  also  smoked  meats, 
smoked,  potted,  or  pickled  fish,  eels,  lobsters,  crabs,  and 
fish  not  having  scales. 

Cucumber,  celery,  onions,  garlic,  radishes,  parsley, 
horse-radish,  and  asparagus,  also  all  kinds  of  pickles, 
salads,  and  raw  vegetables. 

Pastry  of  all  kinds,  spices,  aromatics,  and  artificial 
sauces,  mustard,  vinegar,  cheese,  confectionary,  and  al- 
most the  whole  variety  of  nuts. 

Thus,  we  perceive,  the  homoeopathic  patient  is  not 
starved,  nor  his  appetite  pampered,  or  his  stomach 
crowded  with  articles  of  food  more  or  less  indigestible 
and  capable  of  creating  serious  disturbance  in  the 
system.  But  die$  plain,  healthy,  easy  of  digestion  is 
adapted  in  all  Ceases,  though  as  I  have  before  stated, 
different  persons  require,  in  the  varied  forms  of  disease 
and  constitutions,  different  varieties  of  food.  Thus,  in 
cases  of  diarrhoea,  fruits  and  vegetables  should  be  avoid- 
ed, while  a  constipated  state  of  the  bowels  requires  a 
free  use  of  these  articles,  also  when  symptoms  of  fever 
are  present,  meats,  butter,  eggs,  and  other  stimulating 
articles  of  food,  should  be  avoided,  confining  the  diet 
more  particularly  to  fruits  and  farinaceous  articles. 

During  treatment,  the  patient  should  carefully  avoid 
the  use  of  purgative  medicine,  salves,  perfumery  of  all 
kinds,  or  even  aromatic  tooth-powder. 

More  specific  directions  as  to  diet,  will  be  found  in 
the  chapter  on  Hygiene,  and  in  the  body  of  the  work, 
in  connection  with  the  various  diseases. 


LIST  OF  MEDICINES. 

THEIR   ABBREVIATIONS,    SYNONYMES    AND    ANTIDOTES. 

1.  ACON. — ACONITUM-NAPELLUS.     Monk' s  Hood.      Anti- 

dote*.   Wine,  Vinegar,  Camphor,  Nux-vom. 

2.  AGAR. — AGARICUS.      Bug-agaric.      Antidotes.     Vege- 

table acids. 

3.  ALO. — ALOES.     Antidote.     Vinegar. 

4.  ALUM. — ALUMINA.     Oxide  of  aluminum.     Antidotes. 

Bryonia,  Cham.,  Ipecac. 

5.  AM.-C. — AMMONIUM-CARBONICUM.     Carbonate  of  ammo- 

nia.   Antidotes.     Arnica,  Camphor. 

6.  AM.-M. — AMMONIUM-MURIATICUM.      Muriate  of  ammo- 

nia.   Antidotes.     Camphor,  Coffea,  Hepar-sulph. 

7.  ANT. — ANTIMONIUM-CRUDUM.      Crude  antimony.     An- 

tidotes.    Hep.-s.,  Mercury,  Pulsatilla. 

8.  ARN.— ARNICA  MONTANA.     Leopard's  bane.   Antidotes. 

Camphor,  Capsicum,  Veratrum,  and  Vinegar. 

9.  ARS. — ARSENICUM-ALBUM.     Arsenic,.    Antidotes.     For 

its  poisonous  effects,  rust  of  iron.     For  medicinal 
aggravation,  Camphor,  Ipecac.,  Nux-vom.,  Tabac. 

10.  AUR. — AURUM.   Gold.   Antidotes.   Bellddonna,  China, 

Mercury. 

11.  BELL. — BELLADONNA.       Deadly  Nightshade.      Anti~ 

dotes.     Coffee,  Hyos.,  Hepar-sulph.,  Pulsatilla. 

12.  BROM. — BROMINE.    Antidotes.     Coffee,  Opium,  Cam- 

phor. 

13.  BRY. — BRYONIA.    White  Bryony.    Antidotes.     Aeon. 

Cham.,  Nux-vom.,  Ignatia. 

14.  CALC.-C. — CALCAREA-CARBONICA.      Carbonate    of   lime. 

Antidotes.     Camphor,  Nitric-acid.,  Sulphur. 

15.  CAMPH. — CAMPHOR.    Antidotes.     Opium,  Vinegar. 

16.  CAN. — CANNABIS-SATIVA.   Hemp.   Antidote.   Camphor. 

17.  CANTH. — CANTHARIS.     Spanish  Fly.    Antidote.    Cam- 

phor. 

18 


LIST    OF   MEDICINES.  19 


1 8.  CAPS. — CAPSICUM.  Cayenne  Pepper.  Antidote.  Camph. 

19.  CARB.-V. — CARBO-VEGETABILIS.     Charcoal.      Antidotes. 
Camphor,  Arsenic,  and  Coffea. 

20.  CAUST. — CAUSTICUM.       Caustic.      Antidotes.      Coffea, 

Nux-vom. 

21.  CHAM. — CHAMUMILLA.  Chamomile.  Antidotes.  Aconite, 

Cocculus,  Coffea,  Ignatia,  Nux-vom.,  Pulsatilla. 

22.  CHIN. — CHINA.     Peruvian  Bark.     Antidotes.    Arnica, 

Arsenic,  Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Carb.-veg.,   Ipecac., 
Sulphur. 

23.  CINA.    Wormseed.    Antidote.    Ipecac. 

24.  Coc.— COCCULUS.     Indian  Berries.     Antidotes.     Cam- 

phor, Nux-vom. 

25.  COFF. — COFFEA.     Coffee.    Antidotes.     Aeon.,  Cham., 

Nux-vom. 

26.  COLCH. — COLCHICUM.      Meadow   Saffron.      Antidotes. 

Nux-vom.,  Cocculus,  Pulsatilla. 

27.  COLOC. — COLOCYNTH.     Bitter  cucumber.     Antidotes. 

Camphor,  Coffea,  Causticum. 

28.  CON. — CONIUM^   Hemlock.    Antidotes.     Coffea,  Spi- 
ritus-nitri. . 

29.  CROC. — CR.OCUS-SATIVUS.    Saffron.     Antidote.    Opium. 

30.  CUPR. — CUPRUM.     Copper.     Antidotes.     Belladonna, 

China,  Ipecac.,  Mercury,  Nux-vom. 

31.  DIG, — DIGITALIS.  Foxglove.  Antidotes.  Nux-v.,  Opium. 

32.  DROS. — DROSERA.   Round-leaved  Sun-Dew.   Antidote. 

Camphor. 

33.  DULC. — DULCAMARA.     Bitter-Sweet.      Woody  Night- 

shade.   Antidotes.     Camphor,  Ipecac.,  Mercury. 

34.  EUPHE. — EUPHRASIA.  Eye-bright.  Antidote.  Pulsatilla. 

35.  FER. — FERRUM.     Iron.     Antidotes.     Arnica,  Arsenic, 

Ipecac.,  Mercury,  Belladonna,  Pulsatilla. 

36.  FER.-ACET. — FERRUM-ACETICUM.    Acetate  of  Iron.    An- 
tidotes.    Arsenic,  Belladonna,  Nux-vom. 

37.  GRAPH. — GRAPHITES.     Black  Lead.    Antidotes.    Nux- 

vom.,  Wine. 


20  LIST    OF    MEDICINES. 


38.  HELL. — HELLEBORUS-NIGER.  Black  Hellebore.  Anti- 
dotes. Camphor,  China. 

89.  HEP.-S. — IlEPAU-suLPHUias.  Sulphuret  of  Lime.  An- 
tidotes. Vinegar,  Belladonna. 

40.  HYOS. — HYOSCIAMUS.     Henbane.    Antidotes.     Bella- 

donna, Camphor,  China. 

41.  IGN. — IGNATIA.     St.  Ignatius'  Bean.    Antidotes.    Pul- 

satilla,  Chamomilla,  Camphor,  Vinegar,  Cocculus. 

42.  IOD. — IODINE.    Antidotes.    Arsenic,  Camphor,  CofFea, 

Sulph.,  Phos. 

43.  IPEC. — IPECACUANHA.      Antidotes.     Arnica,  Arsenic, 

China. 

44.  KALI.-B. — KALJ-BICHROMATUM.     Bichromate  of  Potash. 

45.  KAL.-HYD. — KALI-HYDRIODICUM.    Hydriodate  of  Potash. 

46.  KAL.-CARB. — KALI-CARBONICUM.     Carbonate  of  Potash. 

47.  LACH. — LACHESIS.     Poison  of  the  Lance-Headed  Ser- 

pent '  Antidotes.     Arsenic,  Belladonna,  Nux-vom., 
Rims. 

48.  LYC. — LYCOPODIUM.    Wolfs  Claw.     Antidotes.     Cam- 

phor, Pulsatilla. 

49.  MERC.-IOD.     Mercury  Proto-iodid. 

50.  *  MERC. — MERCURY.    Antidotes.    Arnica,  Belladonna, 

Camphor,  Hepar,  Iodine,  Sulphur,  Lachesis. 

51.  MEZ. — MEZEREUM.      Antidotes.      Camphor,  Mercury. 

52.  MUR.  AC. — MURIATIC  ACID.     Antidotes.     Large  doses  of 

Soap.     Small  doses  of  Bryonia,  Camphor. 

53.  NAT.-MUR. — NATRUM-MURIATICUM.       Muriate   of  Soda. 

Antidotes.     Arsenic,  Camphor,  Nitri-spiritus. 

54.  NITR.-AC. — NITRI-ACIDUM.  Antidotes.  Calcarea,  Conium, 

Camphor,  Hepar-sulph.,  Sulphur,  Soap,  in  large  doses. 

55.  NUX-VOM. — NUX-VOMICA.     Antidotes.     Aconite,  Cam- 

phor, Coffea,  PulsatrUa. 

*  The  varieties  of  Mercury  generally  used  are  the  Mercurius-solubilis, 
Mercurius-vivus,  and  Mercurius-corrosivus.  For  the  antidotes,  see  Mer- 
cury. 


LIST    OF    MEDICINES.  21 


56.  OP. — OPIUM.    White  Poppy.    Antidotes.     Camphor, 

Calcarea,  Hepar-sulph.,  Sulphur. 

57.  PETROL. — PETROLEUM.  Naphtha,  Stone  Oil.  Antidotes, 

Aconite,  Nux-vom. 

58.  PHOS. — PHOSPHORUS.     Antidotes,      Camphor,  Coffea, 

Nux-vom. 

59.  PHOS.-AC. — PHOSPHORIC-ACID.      Antidotes.      Camphor, 

Coffea. 

60.  PLAT. — PLATINA.    Antidote.     Pulsatilla. 

61.  PLUMB. — PLUMBUM.     Lead.     Antidotes.     Belladonna, 

Opium. 

62.  PULS. — PULSATILLA.   Pasque  Flower.   Antidotes.   Cha- 

momilla,  Coffea,  Ignatia,  Nux-vom. 

63.  RHEUM.     Rhubarb.     Antidotes.     Camphor,  Chamo- 

milla,  Nux-vom. 

64.  RHUS-T.— RHUS-TOXICODENDRON.     Sumach,  Poison  Oak. 

Antidotes.    Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Camphor,  Coffea, 
Sulphur. 

65.  SAME. — SAMBUCUS.  Elder.  Antidotes.  Arsenic,  Camph. 

66.  SAB. — SABINA.     Savine.     Antidote.     Camphor. 

67.  SANG. — SANGUINARIA-CANADENSIS.    Common  Blood-root. 

68.  SEP. — SEPIA.     Inky  juice  of  the  Cuttle  Fish.     Anti- 

dotes.   Vinegar,  Aconite. 

69.  SEC.-CORN. — SECALE-CORNUTUM.     Ergot  of  Rye.    Anti- 
dotes.    Camphor,  Opium. 

70.  SIL. — SILICEA.     Silex.    Antidotes.     Camphor,  Hep.-s. 

71.  SPIG. — SPIGELIA.     Indian  Pink.     Antidotes.     Camph. 

Aurum. 

72.  SPONG. — SPONGIA.   Burnt  Sponge.   Antidote.    Camph. 

73.  STAN. — STANNUM.   Pure  Tin.   Antidotes.  Coffea,  Puls. 

74.  STAPH. — STAPHYSAGRIA.  Stavesacre.  Antidote.  Camph. 

75.  STIB. — STIBIUM.     Tartar  Emetic.     Antidotes.      Coc- 

culus,  Ipecac.,  Pulsatilla,  Green  Tea. 

76.  STRAM. — STRAMMONIUM.      Thorn  apple.      Antidotes. 

Belladonna,  Nux-vom. 


22  LIST   OF    MEDICINES. 


77.  SULPH.— SULPHUR.      Antidotes,      Aconite,   Camphor, 
Mercury,  Pulsatilla-,  Nux-vom. 

78.  SULPH.-AC. — SULPHURIC-ACID.  Oil  of  Vitriol.    Antidote. 

Pulsatilla. 

79.  TAB  AC.—  TABACUM.     Tobacco.     Antidotes.     Camph., 

Ipec.,  Nux-vom. 

80.  TEREB. — TEREBINTH.  Turpentine.    Antidote.    Camph. 

81.  THUJA.  Tree  of  Life.  Antidotes.  Camphor,  Pulsatilla. 

82.  VERAT. — VERATRUM-ALBUM.      White  Hellebore.    An- 

tidotes.   Aconite,  Ipecac.,  Arsenic,  Camphor,  Coffea, 
China. 

83.  KALM.-L. — KALMIA-LATIFOLIA.     Laurel. 

For  a  more  particular  description  of  the  medicines, 
see  Materia  Medica  at  the  close  of  the  book. 


PART    FIEST. 


TREATMENT    OF    DISEASE 


23 


FKVER.  25 


CHAPTER    1. 
FEVER. 

IN  another  chapter  we  have  shown,  that  the  human 
system  is  like  a  perfect,  beautiful  and  harmonious  instru- 
ment, each  particle  of  matter  having  its  own  proper  duty 
to  perform,  and  when  that  duty  is  performed  correctly, 
when  each  organ  does  its  proper  work,  then  the  perfect 
machinery  of  the  body  quietly,  silently  fulfills  its  duty. 
There  is  no  aching  head,  no  throbbing  pain,  no  burning 
fever,  but  the  eye  sparkles  with  health,  the  cheek  is 
flushed  with  its  rosy  hue,  the  pulse  bounds  with  vigor- 
ous life  and  with  strong  and  elastic  step  man  treads 
life's  pathway,  until  this  glorious  temple  crumbles  away 
by  the  slow  and  undermining  influence  of  age,  and, 
liberating  its  ethereal  spiritual  form,  returns  to  the  dust 
from  whence  it  came. 

When,  from  various  causes,  any  part  of  the  system  is 
clogged  in  its  operation,  and  is  thus  prevented  from 
performing  its  functions  aright,  the  struggle  which  takes 
place  between  the  vital,  living  principle  within  us,  be- 
tween nature  in  its  effort  to  throw  off  this  clog,  to  remove 
this  friction,  to  restore  the  organ  to  its  proper  tone  and 
strength,  produces  fever  and  its  accompanying  train  of 
symptoms.  Therefore  fever,  instead  of  being  the  disease 
itsdf,  is  merely  occasioned  by  vital  reaction  against  the 
disease,  by  the  struggle  of  nature  to  throw  off  those 
clogs  which  prevent  its  free  action.  This  struggle,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  causes  an  increased  combustion,  an  in- 
crease of  heat  is  therefore  the  natural  consequence,  as  well 
as  an  increased  rapidity  in  the  circulation  of  the  blood. 

You  have  seen  the  important  part  that  the  skin  per- 
forms in  the  economy  of  nature,  how  every  part  of  it  is 
perforated  with  minute  tubes  which  throw  off  into  the 
2 


20  FEVER. 

external  world  in  the  form  of  perspiration,  not  however 
always  perceptible,  worn  out  particles  of  matter  which 
have  performed  their  part  in  the  economy  of  life.  Close 
up  these  minute  tubes,  either  by  the  sudden  action  of 
cold,  by  being  exposed  to  a  draft  of  air,  or  by  any  of  the 
various  causes  of  disease,  and  you  at  once  disturb  the 
whole  economy  of  nature.  Combustion  is  still  going  on, 
chemical  changes  are  constantly  taking  place,  but  those 
particles  which  should  be  thrown  of  kept  within.  Now 
commences  or  should  commence  a  contest  between  the 
vital  principle,  nature,  or  whatever  you  please  to  call  it, 
against  those  causes  which  prevent  its  free  action,  and 
the  result  of  this  struggle  is  fever,  the  torturing  pain, 
the  rapid  pulse  and  those  various  phenomena  of  disease 
to  which  different  names  have  been  assigned. 

You  know  the  absolute  necessity  of  keeping  the  or- 
gans of  respiration  in  a  free  and  healthy  state.  Through 
them  we  receive  oxygen,  the  life-giving  principle  of  air 
in  exchange  for  the  carbonic-acid  of  the  blood,  the  result 
of  the  chemical  changes  going  on  in  the  system.  Re- 
strict the  action  of  these  organs  either  by  cold,  heat, 
sudden  change  of  temperature,  compression  of  the  chest, 
or  any  of  the  varied  causes  which  produce  disturbance 
there,  and  you  cause  inflammation,  sometimes  of  a 
violent  form,  producing  the  most  agonizing  pain,  or  it 
may  be  of  a  more  passive  character,  ending  in  suppura- 
tion and  consumption. 

Take  if  you  please  the  digestive  organs.  Fill  the 
stomach  with  food  it  cannot  assimilate,  pay  no  attention 
to  its  powers  of  digestion,  when  it  flags  goad  it  on  by 
stimulants,  and  you  break  down  its  strength,  you  render 
the  liver  torpid,  you  paralyze  the  intestinal  canal,  or 
deprive  it  of  proper  action,  you  force  into  the  system 
more  fuel  than  is  required  for  the  production  of  animal 
heat  and  the  sustenance  of  life.  And  now  the  whole 
machinery  of  the  body  is  out  of  order.  Nature  has 


FEVER.  27 

been  hampered  in  her  movements,  abused,  trampled  on, 
and  yet  she  rises  in  all  her  strength  and  struggles  man- 
fully to  vindicate  her  rights.  But  the  disturbing  cause 
may  be  too  great  for  her  unassisted  strength,  and  she 
sink  paralyzed,  or,  roused  into  too  violent  action,  a  highly 
inflammatory  state  is  the  result.  In  the  former  case, 
the  disease  is  of  a  low,  sinking  character,  in  the  latter, 
highly  inflammatory.  In  both  cases,  the  progress  is  full 
of  danger  and  the  end  may  be,  death. 

Now  is  the  time  for  human  skill  to  step  in  and  aid 
nature  in  her  efforts  for  relief.  How  is  this  to  be  done  ? 
By  binding  her  hand  and  foot,  by  opening  a  vein  and 
drawing  away  her  life,  by  producing  violent  action  on  the 
bowels,  by  depleting  and  paralyzing  her  every  effort  at 
relief,  by  dragging  her  down,  shorn  of  her  strength  until 
she  is  perfectly  helpless  ?  No !  common  sense,  outraged 
nature  cries  no,  a  thousand  times,  no.  If  you  cannot  aid 
nature,  do  not,  in  the  name  of  heaven,  throw  obstacles  in 
the  way,  and  thus  deprive  the  poor  victim  of  the  last 
chance  of  life.  If  you  must  meddle  with  something, 
meddle  with  inanimate  matter,  but  oh !  trifle  not,  tamper 
not  with  human  life. 

In  disease,  nature  has  an  important  part  to  perform. 
Unassisted,  its  efforts  are  to  bring  about  a  crisis  sufficient 
for  the  extermination  of  the  disease.  Failing  in  this, 
death  is  the  inevitable  consequence.  Do  we  aid  nature, 
if  we  take  away  her  vital  power  to  wrestle  with  disease  ? 
How  is  it  that  in  violent  acute  diseases,  Pleurisy  or 
Pneumonia,  for  instance,  in  which  the  patient  has  been 
bled,  perhaps  to  fainting,  where  the  depleting  system 
has  been  carried  on  heroically  ?  The  patient  gains,  it  may 
be,  present  relief,  but  in  a  short  time  the  fever  returns 
with  almost,  if  not  quite  its  former  violence.  Nature  has 
been  prostrated  for  the  moment,  the  disease  remains  un- 
touched, and  the  blow,  which  should  have  been  aimed 
at  the  cause  of  the  disturbance,  is  directed  against  na- 


28  FEVER. 

ture.  Instead  of  putting  out  the  robber,  who  seeks  to 
steal  your  life,  the  watchful  sentinel,  who  warns  of  danger 
and  struggles  to  repel  the  intruder,  is  stricken  down  at 
his  post.  For  a  moment  it  is  paralyzed,  but  then  rouses 
and  renews,  but  with  diminished  strength,  the  contest. 
How  much  more  philosophical  and  in  accordance  with 
nature,  to  assist  her  efforts  in  removing  gently,  yet  surely, 
the  causes  of  disease.  Homoeopathic  remedies  act  upon 
the  disease  oftentimes  in  such  a  specific  way,  as  to  remove 
the  trouble  without  giving  rise  to  any  perceptible  crisis. 
A  crisis  may  however  take  place,  in  perspiration,  diar- 
rhoea, increased  flow  of  urine,  or  eruption,  the  particulars 
of  which  will  be  given  in  their  appropriate  place. 

In  the  simple  or  irritative  form  of  fever  the  efforts  of 
nature  are  generally  adequate  to  the  removal  of  disease. 

In  the  inflammatory  form  the  efforts  of  nature  are 
more  powerful,  than  is  necessary,  and  the  termination  of 
the  disease,  unless  human  aid  steps  in,  may  be  fatal. 

In  the  torpid  form,  nature  requires  aid,  but  from  a 
different  cause.  In  this  case  nature  is  prostrated  and  has 
not  sufficient  power  to  wrestle  with  disease. 

Before  treating  directly  of  the  various  forms  of  fever, 
some  remarks  are  necessary  as  to  general  treatment,  which 
is  alike  advisable  in  all  varieties. 

Absolute  rest  both  of  the  mind  and  body  are  very  es- 
sential. The  food  should  be  light  in  its  character,  easy 
of  digestion,  the  patient  abstaining  carefully  from  the 
more  solid  and  stimulating  articles  of  diet.  It  is  for- 
tunate, that  in  most  cases  the  stomach  craves  but  little 
food,  while  there  is  a  constant  desire  for  drink,  generally 
craving  cold  water,  than  which  there  can  be  nothing 
better.  Ice-water,  or  even  ice  held  in  the  mouth,  when 
desired,  can  be  given  in  small  quantities  with  perfect 
safety.  Toast  water,  or  even  lemonade,  can  also  be  given, 
save  in  looseness  of  the  bowels,  or  while  under  the  in- 
fluence of  Aconite,  when  acids  should  be  avoided.  Should 


SIMPLE    FEVER.  29 


the  fever  be  high,  frequent  ablutions  in  cold  water  are 
highly  refreshing  to  the  patient.  The  room  should  be 
well  ventilated,  the  temperature  kept  as  nearly  as  pos- 
sible at  an  even  rate,  say  from  sixty  to  seventy  degrees, 
according  to  comfort.  The  patient  should  be  placed  on 
a  mattress,  lightly  covered  with  blankets,  and  kept  at  as 
comfortable  a  temperature  as  possible.  The  covering 
should  of  course  be  regulated  by  the  feelings  of  the  pa- 
tient. Cleanliness  should  be  carefully  observed,  and  to 
this  purpose  the  linen  should  be  frequently  changed.  In 
nearly  all  cases,  save  where  the  bowels  are  disordered, 
fruits,  but  little  if  any  tart,  such  as  roast  apples,  oranges, 
strawberries,  raspberries,  and  peaches,  are,  in  moderate 
quantities,  allowable.  We  now  proceed  to  treat  more 
directly  of  the  different  varieties  of  fever. 

SIMPLE    FEVER. 

CAUSES. — This  fever,  unless  the  forerunner  of  some  other 
disease,  is  exceeding  simple  in  its  character,  generally 
terminating  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  days  and  often 
running  its  entire  course  in  twenty-four  hours.  It  is 
generally  occasioned  by  sudden  change  of  temperature, 
or  undue  exposure  to  heat  or  cold. 

DIAGNOSIS. — A  sensation  of  shivering,  followed  by  heat ; 
thirst,  quick  pulse,  and  often  an  aching  sensation  in  the 
head  and  limbs. 

TREATMENT. — Aconite.  Two  drops  may  be  mixed  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  administered 
every  two  hours,  the  patient  remaining  quiet,  and  covered 
up  in  bed ;  perspiration  will  as  a  general  thing  be  pro- 
duced in  a  few  hours,  and  the  patient  be  entirely  re- 
lieved in  twenty-four  hours,  unless  some  other  disease 
should  be  developed,  such  as  scarlatina,  measles,  &c. 

Should  there  be  soreness  of  the  throat,  aching  of  the 
head  and  limbs,  Belladonna  may  be  given  in  alternation 


30  FEVER. 

with  the  Aconite,  and  prepared  in  the  same  manner,  a 
dose  of  each  every  four  hours. 

INFLAMMATORY    FEVER. 

CAUSES. — This  fever  may  arise  from  suppressed  per- 
spiration, sudden  changes  of  temperature,  external  or  in- 
ternal injuries,  exposure  to  heat,  damp,  or  cold.  We  may 
generally  expect  a  favorable  termination,  unless,  as  is 
often  the  case,  when  treated  allopathically,  it  runs  into 
some  other  disease,  or  the  patient  sinks  from  exhaustion. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Violent  chill,  preceded  by  lassitude  and 
followed  by  great  heat,  hard,  full,  quick  pulse,  dry  skin, 
dry  and  slightly  coated  tongue ;  heaviness  of  the  head, 
soon  passing  into  an  aching  pulsative  pain  particularly 
in  the  forehead ;  red  face,  sparkling  eyes,  great  thirst, 
dry  hot  breath,  sometimes  hurried  and  anxious  breathing; 
red  and  scanty  urine,  restlessness  and  anxiety.  The 
symptoms  are  worse  in  the  evening,  generally  abating 
after  midnight. 

TREATMENT. — The  great  remedy  in  controlling  the  fever 
is  undoubtedly  Aconite.  It  acts  more  directly  and  power- 
fully and  certainly  with  far  less  future  harm  to  the  pa- 
tient>  than  leeches,  blood-letting  and  cathartics. 

DOSE. — Put  two  drops  or  six  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water 
and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours. 

Should  there  be  fullness  and  heat  in  the  head,  vertigo, 
pain  in  the  forehead,  flushed  face,  and  sensitiveness  to 
noise  or  light,  red  shining  eyes,  Belladonna  should  be 
given  in  alternation  with  the  Aconite  and  prepared  in 
the  same  manner,  a  dose  of  the  first  one  hour,  and  of  the 
other  the  next. 

/////•/// ?V/,  is  particularly  indicated,  where  there  is  tear- 
ing, shooting,  or  aching  in  the  limbs,  violent  pain  in  the 
head  with  vertigo  on  rising  or  moving;  delirium,  pres- 
sure at  the  pit  (if  the  stomach,  constipation:  violent  thirst 
and  burning  dry  heat  mingled  with  chills.  We  should 


TYPHOID    FEVER.  31 


look  to  it  as  the  prominent  remedy,  where  there  is  op- 
pression, shooting  pain  in  the  chest,  short  cough  and 
difficult  breathing.  It  should  be  given  prepared  like 
the  Aconite,  every  two  hours,  or  if  there  be  much  fever, 
as  would  most  likely  be  the  case,  alternate  with  Aconite 
a  dose  of  each  every  two  hours. 

NERVOUS  OR  TYPHOID  FEVER. 
(TYPHUS.) 

This  disease  is  of  a  low  sinking  character,  the  nervous 
system  being  particularly  involved.  Under  this  head  we 
may  include  the  dreaded,  and  so  often  fatal,  ship  and 
hospital  fevers  They  are  in  reality  a  violent  form  of 
Typhus. 

This  fever  may  assume  from  the  commencement  the 
form  of  Typhus,  or,  as  is  very  often  the  case,  especially 
under  the  prostrating  treatment  of  the  Allopathic  school, 
other  varieties  of  fever  may  run  into  this  low  sinking  and 
more  dangerous  malady.  Besides  the  two  forms  already 
mentioned,  there  are  three  forms  of  Typhus,  more  or  less 
distinct,  notwithstanding  the  general  symptoms  may  be 
the  same.  These  are : 

1.  Cerebral  Typhus,  or   Typhus  cerebralis,  affecting 
principally  the  brain  and  the  nervous  system 

2.  Typhus  Abdominalis  or  abdominal  Typhus,  where 
some  part  of  the  abdomen  is  the  principal  seat  of  the 
disease. 

3.  Pneumo  Typhus,  or  Typhus  of  the  lungs.     Typhoid 
lung  fever,  or  Typhoid  Pneumonia,  affecting  the  organs 
of  the  chest. 

Typhus  in  its  progress  may  indicate  a  high  state  of 
nervous  action  (Typhus  versatalis),  or  the  patient  may  be 
constantly  inclined  to  stupor  (Typhus  stupidus),  or  it  may 
be  of  a  putrid  character  (Typhus  Putridus],  where  there 
is  a  strong  tendency  to  disorganization  and  decay.  This 
is  the  most  alarming  form  of  the  disease. 


32  FEVER. 

CAUSES. — The  causes  are  numerous,  and  some  of  them 
remote.  It  may  arise  from  hunger,  bad  food,  ill-venti- 
lated apartments,  where  numbers  are  crowded  into  a 
small  space  and  the  air  rendered  highly  impure,  exposure, 
want  of  cleanliness  and  those  hundred  causes,  to  which 
the  poor  are  exposed.  It  may  arise  also  from  chagrin, 
sadness,  grief,  care,  disappointed  love,  disappointment  in 
business,  violent  exertions  of  the  mind  and  body,  venereal 
excess,  depressing  emotions,  excessive  heat,  prostration 
from  disease,  or  from  medical  treatment,  which  may  be 
worse  than  the  disease ;  dampness,  cold,  and  a  peculiar 
state  of  the  atmosphere,  which  may  fail  to  give  sufficient 
sustenance  to  the  vital  forces,  and  thus  develop  epidemic 
Typhus. 

The  progress  of  the  disease  is  often  slow,  sometimes 
lasting  twenty-one  or  twenty-eight  days,  and  even  longer. 
The  convalescence  is  also  slow,  and  the  patient,  unless 
great  care  is  used,  very  liable  to  a  relapse.  The  pre- 
cursory symptoms,  headache,  lassitude  and  a  general 
derangement  of  the  system,  unless  controlled  by  appro- 
priate remedies,  not  unfrequently  last  for  days  and  even 
weeks.  Perfect  quiet,  great  cleanliness,  a  room  well  ven- 
tilated and  not  too  dark,  are  absolutely  essential.  There 
are  several  indications  which  every  good  nurse  can  watch, 
and  which  will  indicate  to  a  certain  extent  the  danger, 
or  immediate  prospect  of  convalescence. 

1.  The  Pulse.     Should  this  gradually  become  quiet 
and  even,  hope  would  naturally  and  justly  brighten,  but 
the  more  accelerated  it  becomes,  the  more  the  danger  to 
the  patient  increases.     A  constant  variation  in  the  pulse 
is  a  worse  indication  even  than  its  frequency. 

2.  TJf  i  Should  it  be  clear,  thick,  brown,  bloody, 
or  with  a  cloud  floating  or  rising  towards  the  surface,  or 
with  a  sediment,  with  the  urine  turbid  above  it,  the 
danger  is  great,  but  should  there  be  a  gradual  clearing 


TYPHOID    FEVER.  33 


up  of  urine  previously  thick,  or  previously  clear  urine 
become  turbid,  improvement  is  indicated. 

3.  Iftemo7*rhayes,  especially  by  urine  and  stool,  diar- 
rhoea, putrid,  fetid  smell,  are  indicative  of  putrid  disso- 
lution. Deafness,  though  naturally  exciting  alarm  in  the 
friends,  is  by  no  means  an  unfavorable  symptom. 

DIAGNOSIS.— This  disease,  notwithstanding  it  steals  on, 
as  a  general  thing,  slowly,  yet  it  firmly  and  surely  gains 
a  footing,  unless  arrested  by  appropriate  remedies,  and 
may  in  a  short  time  so  prostrate  the  system  as  to  render  the 
prospect  of  recovery  very  extremely  hazardous.  During 
the  premonitory  stage,  the  patient  is  languid,  easily  tired ; 
he  loses  his  appetite,  the  tongue  becomes  white,  and  in- 
clined to  tremble.  There  are  wandering  pains  in  the 
head,  chest,  back,  abdomen  or  extremities,  fullness  and 
giddiness  of  the  head,  drowsiness,  and  unsound  and  un- 
refreshing  sleep  at  night.  These  precursory  symptoms 
may  last  for  days  or  weeks.  The  commencement  of  the 
fever  is  marked,  not  by  a  violent  chill,  but  by  slow  chills 
alternating  with  heat,  and  sometimes  violent  headache. 
The  expression  of  the  face  is  dull  and  heavy,  and  there 
is  no  desire  for  exertion  either  of  the  mind  or  body.  On 
pressing  heavily  on  the  abdomen  near  the  right  hip,  a 
sensation  of  pain  is  distinctly  felt.  As  the  disease  pro- 
gresses, the  skin  becomes  dry  and  hot,  the  appearance 
of  the  tongue  is  exceedingly  variable.  At  times  it  may 
be  clean,  smooth  and  red,  then  again  slightly  furred,  the 
tip  and  edges  red,  with  a  dark  brown  almost  black  streak 
in  the  centre,  or  the  whole  tongue  become  dark  and  ex- 
cessively dry.  Sordes  form  about  the  teeth.  Delirium, 
generally  of  a  low  muttering  kind,  although  sometimes 
more  violent  in  its  character,  a  vacant  or  indifferent  look, 
perfect  indifference  to  every  thing,  stupor,  gradually 
sinking  down  in  the  bed,  diarrhoea,  &c.,  are  among  the 
symptoms  which  may  be  developed  during  the  progress 
of  the  disease. 

2* 


34  FEVER. 

TREATMENT. — Perfect  quiet,  cleanliness,  a  room  well 
ventilated  and  not  too  dark,  cold  water,  or  toast  water, 
whenever  desired,  are  of  course  essential.  If  during  the 
precursory  symptoms  there  should  be  chilliness,  lassitude, 
with  alternate  neat,  headache,  giddiness,  rheumatic  pains, 
pain  in  the  back,  furred  tongue  and  restlessness  at  night, 
Bryonia  and  Rhus,  two  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a 
tumbler  of  water  may  be  used  in  alternation  a  tablespoon- 
ful  at  a  dose  two  hours  apart.  These  will  often  be  sufficient 
to  arrest  the  disease,  but  should  inflammatory  symptoms 
set  in,  such  as  a  dry  and  burning  skin,  hard  full  pulse, 
restlessness,  thirst,  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head,  Aco- 
nite should  be  administered. 

DOSE. — Mix  two  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours. 

Belladonna  is  indicated  in  the  commencement  of  the 
disease,  where  it  is  occasioned  by  fright  or  chagrin,  where 
convulsive  twitching  of  the  limbs,  and  a  general  feeling 
of  restlessness  is  present,  especially  in  the  limbs;  or 
where  it  commences  with  fainting  turns  which  are  follow- 
ed by  extreme  sensitiveness  of  all  the  organs ;  or  where 
there  is  a  continual  drowsiness  increasing  to  lethargy, 
with  snoring,  during  which  the  countenance  changes  from 
cold  and  pale  to  red  and  hot,  disturbed  sleep,  anxious 
and  restless  when  awake,  with  internal  heat  and  head- 
ache. Where  also  the  inflammatory  symptoms  indicating 
Aconite  are  present,  the  two  remedies  should  be  given  in 
alternation,  a  dose  of  each  every  two  hours. 

Belladonna,  is  also  particularly  indicated  where  in  the 
progress  of  the  disease  the  delirium  becomes  more 
furious ;  there  are  visions  while,  awake,  starts  as  from 
affright,  internal  burning  heat,  without  thirst,  distension 
of  the  veins  and  throbbing  of  the  arteries  of  the  head, 
pressing  pain  in  the  temples,  intolerance  to  noise ;  the 
eyes  may  be  congested ;  the  tongue  is  red,  burning  hot, 
and  parched,  the  mouth  and  throat  dry,  deglutition  diffi- 


TYPHOID   FEVER.  35 


cult,  abdomen  distended  and  sensitive  to  the  touch,  and 
frequent  diarrhceic  stools.  Where  these  symptoms  ap- 
pear Belladonna  should  be  given,  prepared  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  Aconite,  every  two  hours. 

Bryonia,  is  a  most  valuable  remedy  in  Typhus,  and  is 
frequently  indicated.  It  is  often  appropriate  in  alter- 
nation with  Rhus.  Its  indications  are  a  bruised,  aching 
sensation  throughout  the  whole  body.  The  most  downy 
bed  would  feel  hard.  Beating,  pressing  pain  in  the  fore- 
head from  within  outward,  particularly  painful  when 
looking  up  or  moving  the  eyes,  burning  sensation  of  the 
head,  notwithstanding  the  forehead  may  be  covered  with 
a  cold  sweat,  moaning  during  sleep,  heat  and  frightful 
dreams.  In  the  commencement  of  the  disease  where 
heat  alternates  with  chilliness,  the  former  in  the  morn- 
ing, the  latter  in  the  afternoon,  and  where  there  is  mo- 
derate thirst,  vertigo,  increase  of  headache  and  excessive 
erethism  of  the  nervous  system,  and  where  gastric  symp- 
toms are  present,  such  as  bitter  taste,  yellow  coating  of 
the  tongue,  nausea,  vomiting,  and  difficult  stool,  Bryonia, 
is  strongly  indicated.  This  remedy  is  also  indicated 
where  in  the  progress  of  the  disease  the  heat  becomes 
permanent,  and  is  accompanied  with  delirium,  but  little 
complaint  of  pain,  yet  grasping  at  the  head,  delirious 
talk  of  business,  face  red  and  bloated,  lips  dry  and  crack- 
ed, white  miliary  eruption  and  constipation. 

DOSE. — Mix  two  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water  and  give  a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Rlius  tox.  is  a  very  important  remedy,  particularly  in 
the  "versatile"  and  stupid  forms  of  Typhus,  especially 
the  latter,  and  also  where  the  convalescence  is  slow,  the 
pulse  continuing  feverish,  and  the  diarrhoea  and  oppres- 
sion of  the  chest  not  entirely  removed. 

In  the  precursory  stage  there  is  chilliness  even  near 
the  fire,  colic  and  diarrhoaa,  bruised  sensation  in  various 
parts,  white-coated  tongue,  nausea,  vomiting  of  mucus, 


36  FEVER. 

and  vertigo;  a  stiff  and  lame  sensation  when  at  rest, 
numbness  of  the  parts  on  which  the  patient  lies,  and  a 
stinging,  drawing  and  rigidity  in  the  nape  of  the  neck 
and  back.  As  the  disease  advances  there  is  great  weak- 
ness and  prostration,  sleeplessness,  great  restlessness  at 
night  with  anguish  or  heavy  sleep,  with  murmurs,  snoring, 
dry  heat,  sleep  disturbed  by  troublesome  dreams,  frequent 
starting  and  throwing  off  the  clothes.  Talkative  delirium, 
frequent  desire  to  run  away,  stupefying  headache,  vertigo 
on  rising  up.  As  abdominal  typhus  gradually  develops 
itself,  the  heat  and  violent  delirium  become  continuous, 
the  cutting  in  the  abdomen  and  diarrhoea  are  followed 
by  pain  in  the  limbs,  great  weakness,  tongue  and  lips 
blackish,  cheeks  burning  red,  sopor,  with  muttering,  snor- 
ing, and  small  accelerated  pulse.  The  eyes  are  red  and 
uninfluenced  by  outward  impression,  the  odor  from  the 
mouth  is  fetid,  the  stools  involuntary,  and  the  urine 
whitish  and  turbid.  Oppression  of  the  chest  strongly 
indicates  Rhus. 

DOSE.  —  Give  it  prepared  as  Bryonia,  a  dose  every  two  hours,  unless 
in  alteration  with  Bryonia  or  some  other  remedy,  when  it  should  be 
taken  every  four  hours. 

Opium.  —  Is  indicated  where  there  is  a  constant  desire 
to  sleep,  or  a  lethargic  sleep  with  labored  respiration 
and  snoring,  hard  full  pulse. 

DOSE.  —  Tt  should  be  given,  prepared  as  Bryonia,  a  dose  every  two 
or  three  hours. 


—  Excessive  wildness,  great  nervous  ex- 
citability, furious  delirium  with  visions,  or  apathy  and 
stupidity,  fixed  and  dull  eyes,  surrounded  by  a  livid 
circle,  or  red  and  sparkling  eyes  with  pupils  either  dilat- 
ed or  contracted. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Bryonia. 

Strammonium.  —  Violent  pain  in  the  head,  with  faint- 
ing, delirium,  violent  tossing,  illusions  of  sight,  loss  of 
consciousness,  dilated  and  insensible  pupils,  lethargic 
sleep  and  snoring. 


TYPHOID    FEVER.  37 


DOSE. — Same  as  Bryrmia,  These  three  remedies,  it  is  often  ad- 
visable to  alternate  with  Aconite,  Arsenicum  or  Muriatic-acid. 

Phosphorus,  is  principally  indicated  when  the  disease 
arises  from  cold  or  onanism.  In  the  precursory  stage 
there  are  rheumatic  pain  in  the  limbs,  worse  morning 
and  evening,  and  aggravated  by  cold  air  or  the  touch, 
and  sometimes  accompanied  with  a  general  sensation  of 
sickness,  a  weary  bruised  feeling,  tightness  of  the  head, 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  pain  in  the  stomach  and 
bowels.  As  the  disease  progresses,  there  is  a  small, 
hard,  quick  pulse,  profuse  sweat ;  sleep  interrupted  by 
shrieks,  moaning,  stitches,  and  rattling  in  the  chest, 
oppressive  cough  and  bloody  expectoration,  painfulness 
of  every  part  of  the  body.  The  above  group  of  symp- 
toms occurring  in  Typhoid  Pneumonia  are  very  ac- 
curately covered  by  this  remedy.  There  may  also  be 
painful  sensitiveness  in  the  abdomen  near  the  right  hip, 
sometimes  accompanied  by  half  liquid  bloody  stools, 
beating  pain  in  the  head,  and  discharge  of  blood  from 
the  nose. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  every  three  hours. 

Phosphoric-acid. — Great  prostration,  flighty,  even  when 
awake,  aversion  to  conversation,  always  on  the  back,  in 
a  drowsy  state,  replying  to  questions  incoherently,  or  not 
answering  at  all,  low  muttering  delirium,  dryness  of  the 
tongue,  dry  and  burning  skin,  loose  evacuations  generally 
passed  involuntarily  and  sometimes  bloody;  frequent, 
weak,  and  sometimes  intermitting  pulse.  The  remedy 
should  be  alternated  with  fihus,  a  powder  or  three  glo- 
bules every  three  hours. 

Arsenic. — If  in  connection  with  the  above  symptoms 
there  is  a  rapid  sinking  of  the  vital  powers,  great  pros- 
tration of  strength,  countenance  deathly,  eyes  dull  and 
glassy,  pulse  scarcely  perceptible,  burning  thirst  and 
diarrhoea,  give  Arsenw,  a  powder  or  three  globules  every 
hour.  Should  the  evacuations  be  fetid,  cold  perspiration 


38  FEVER. 

on  the  face  and  extremities,  rattling  respiration,  6W//;.  • 
veg.  should  be  given  in  alternation  with  the  Arsenic,  a 
dose  of  each  every  hour. 

As  the  urgent  symptoms  abate  the  intervals  should 
be  lengthened  to  three  or  four  hours. 

Muriatic-acid  is  an  important  remedy  in  Typhus- 
stupidus,  where  there  is  sliding  down  in  the  bed,  with 
moaning  and  groaning  during  sleep,  and  constant  mutter- 
ing when  awake,  with  inability  to  collect  the  senses, 
paralytic  condition  of  the  tongue,  with  dryness  of  the 
mouth  and  fauces.  Where  these  symptoms  occur  it  is 
generally  best  to  give  the  acid  in  alternation  with 
Opium,  a  dose  of  each  every  four  hours.  Where  the 
acid  is  given  alone,  it  should  be  given  once  in  three 
hours.  Sufficient  may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  of 
water  to  make  it  slightly  tart,  and  a  tablespoonful  given 
at  a  dose. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  enumerated,  we  will 
mention  a  list  which  may  at  times  be  found  highly  ser- 
viceable. For  particular  indications,  see  Materia  Medica 
at  the  close  of  the  book.  Arnica,  Camphor,  China, 
Coffea,  Cantharides,  Cocculus,  Ipecac.,  Ignatia,  Lachexis, 
Lycopodium,  Nux-vom.,  PulsatUla,  Mercurius,  Vera- 
trum,  Sulphur. 

DIET. — During  the  early  part  of  the  disease  the  diet 
should  be  of  a  farinaceous  character,  as  the  disease  pro- 
gresses however,  if  symptoms  of  rapid  prostration  are 
present,  such  as  weak  or  flickering  pulse,  feeble  voice, 
and  great  general  weakness,  we  should  endeavor  to  sup- 
port the  strength  by  means  of  broth,  beef-tea,  wine-whey 
or  brandy.  The  nourishment  should  be  given  a  few 
spoonfuls  at  a  time  and  repeated  once  in  two  or  three 
hours.  The  stimulants  should  be  given  a  little  at  a  time 
and  repeated  as  the  strength  of  the  patient  requires 
them.  For  the  manner  of  preparing  beef-tea,  wine- 
whey,  &c.,  see  Index.  During  convalescence  be  careful 


YELLOW   FEVER. 


and  not  overload  the  stomach,  for  if  the  patient  is  al- 
lowed to  indulge  to  the  full  extent  the  cravings  of  hungei 
a  relapse  may  take  place. 

For  Cerebral  Typhus  or  brain  fever  the  principal 
remedies  are  Aeon.,  Bell.,  Bry.,  Hyos.,  Op.,  fihus. 

For  typhoid  lung  fever.  Ip.,  JBry.  and  Rhus,  or  Ars., 
Chin.,  Hyos.,  Phosphor,  Phos.-ac.,  Sulph.,  Laurocerasus. 

For  Abdominal  Typhus,  JBhus  or  Bry.  or  Ars.,  Chin. 
and  Merc.,  oiAm.,  Garb,  v.,  2fuvwom.,  Puls.  and  Sulph., 
Canth.  and  Phos. 

YELLOW  FEVER. 

This  disease  prevails  principally  in  warm  climates 
and  is  peculiarly  fatal  where  is  attacks  persons  who  are 
not  acclimated,  and  who,  coming  from  a  colder  region, 
seem  to  forget,  that  a  change  of  climate  would  naturally 
indicate  a  change  in  habit,  dress  and  diet.  In  a  previous 
chapter  we  have  spoken  of  the  different  amount  of 
oxygen  contained  in  a  warm  and  moist  climate,  where 
the  heat  continues  for  months,  and  in  the  colder  regions 
of  the  temperate  and  frigid  zones,  where  the  intense  heat 
is  of  but  few  days  or  weeks'  duration.  The  amount  of 
food,  both  in  kind  and  quantity,  should  be  materially 
different  in  warm  climates  from  that  in  regions  at  greater 
distance  from  the  equator.  In  the  rarefied  air  of  the 
former,  a  less  amount  of  oxygen  is  taken  into  the  system, 
and  therefore  less  solid  nourishing  food  is  required  than 
in  colder  regions,  where  the  air  is  more  condensed,  thus 
necessarily  containing  more  oxygen.  Food  introduced 
into  the  system  and  not  consumed,  remains  as  a  clog  and 
irritant,  encumbering  the  organs,  cramping  their  opera- 
tion, and  sowing  in  the  body  the  seeds  of  decay.  Hence, 
in  these  warm  climates  great  caution  is  necessary  not 
only  as  it  regards  diet,  but  also  clothing  and  exposure  to 
the  heat  of  the  midday  sun  and  the  dampness  of  the 
night. 


40  FEVER. 

CAUSES. — Animal  and  vegetable  substances  exposed  to 
continued  heat  in  a  moist  atmosphere  soon  decay,  and 
fill  the  air  with  a  poisonous  miasmata.  This  miasm, 
may  give  rise  to  yellow  fever,  especially  where  it  is  pro- 
duced by  the  decaying  animal  and  vegetable  substances 
found  in  close  streets,  the  crowded  and  ill-ventilated 
rooms  and  cellars,  and  the  necessarily  confined  air  of  the 
]H>i>ulous  city  or  village.  The  chemist,  perhaps,  would 
hardly  undertake  to  detect  the  subtile  poison  in  the 
atmosphere,  by  which  the  life-springs  of  thousands  are 
tainted,  and  yet  he  can  laugh  right  merrily  at  the  folly 
and  absurdity  of  infinitesimal  doses.  Other  prominent 
causes,  are  exposure  to  the  heat  of  the  sun,  mental 
anxiety,  want  of  cleanliness,  dissipation,  a  fondness  for 
stimulants,  both  in  food  and  drink,  in  reality  a  greater 
love  for  the  palate  and  stomach,  than  for  life  and  health. 
This  is  one  great  cause,  why  the  disease  is  more  fre- 
quent and  much  more  fatal  among  that  class  of  resi- 
dents who  foolishly  persist  in  indulging  in  the  same 
variety  of  food,  the  same  style  of  living,  the  same  habits 
they  were  accustomed  to  in  their  colder  home. 

DIAGNOSIS. — This  fearful  pestilence  is  looked  upon  as 
almost  as  fatal  as  that  terrific  scourge,  the  Cholera. 
Sometimes  the  patient  is  taken  down  when  at  his  daily 
avocations,  without  warning,  and  in  a  few  hours  is  a 
corpse.  In  other  cases  the  disease  approaches  more 
slowly,  the  premonitory  symptoms  being  well  marked. 
The  severity  of  the  disease,  as  we  have  before  stated, 
depends  much  upon  the  constitution,  habits  and  tem- 
perament of  the  patient 

The  first  symutoias  are  generally  want  of  appetite, 
constipation,  oppression  of  the  stomach,  giddiness  and 
debility.  Where  the  attack  comes  on  with  violence, 
there  is  cold,  shuddering,  headache,  nausea  and  vomiting. 
This  is  followed  by  severe  pain  in  the  back,  shivering 
along  the  spine,  although  the  setting  in  of  the  attack  is 


YELLOW    FEVER.  41 


often  preceded  by  great  exhilaration  of  spirits,  and 
tearing  pain  in  the  limbs,  sometimes  amounting  to 
cramps.  These  sensations  last  for  a  few  hours,  and  are 
followed  by  violent  reaction.  The  breathing  becomes 
difficult,  the  breath  burning,  the  pulse  hard,  full  and 
quick,  the  cheeks  red  and  turgid,  the  conjunctiva  in- 
jected, violent  pain  in  the  head  and  throughout  the 
body,  skin  dry  and  hot,  burning  thirst,  nausea  and 
vomiting.  The  abdomen  becomes  hard  and  painful,  and 
a  sensation  of  great  suffering  is  felt  in  the  stomach. 
This  period,  lasting  in  severe  cases  from  twelve  to 
twenty-four  hours,  although  sometimes  it  continues 
three  or  four  days,  is  followed  by  what  seems  to  the 
patient  almost  an  entire  remission.  For  a  few  hours  the 
patient  is  comparatively  comfortable,  notwithstanding 
there  may  be  some  nausea  and  distress  about  the  stomach, 
but  this  rest  is  speedily  followed  by  a  return  of  many 
of  the  old  symptoms  with  increased  violence.  The  skin 
and  eyes  acquire  a  yellow  tinge.  The  tongue  is  parched 
and  covered  with  a  dark  fur,  the  skin  clammy,  the  head 
confused,  the  pulse  sinks,  delirium  may  set  in,  the 
retching  increase  in  violence,  the  matter  vomited  pre- 
sents a  darker  and  thicker  appearance,  and  the  stomach 
is  painful  and  sensitive. 

This  stage  may  last  from  twelve  to  forty-eight  hours, 
sometimes  with  slight  remissions  towards  the  termina- 
tion, when  it  is  followed  by  the  third  stage,  when  the 
symptoms  increase  at  a  fearful  rate.  The  strength  fails 
rapidly,  there  is  extreme  prostration,  the  tongue  and 
lips  are  parched  and  cracked,  the  gums  soft  and  livid, 
exuding  black  blood ;  there  is  intense  suffering  in  the 
stomach,  great  anxiety,  hiccough,  the  dreaded  ~black 
vomit,  getting  darker  and  darker,  and  more  and  more 
frequent,  until  death  closes  the  painful  scene.  On  the 
setting  in  of  the  third  stage,  the  patient  is  generally  be- 
yond the  power  of  earthly  aid. 


4:2  FEVER. 

TREATMENT. — The  most  important  remedies  are, — in 
the  first  stage,  and  sometimes  in  the  second,  Aconite, 
Ipecac.,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Pulsatilla  and  JVux-vom. 
In  the  second  and  third  stage,  Nux-vom.,  Mercurius-soL, 
Arsenicum,  Argent.-nit.,  Digitalis,  Pho8.-acn  RJius-tox., 
Verat.,  Canth.,  Carb.-veg.  and  when  there  are  black  de- 
jections, Hellebore. 

Ipecac. — Is  generally  indicated  in  the  first  stage,  where 
slight  chills,  general  pains,  uneasiness  in  the  stomach, 
nausea  and  vomiting,  together  with  a  sensation  of  faint- 
ness  are  present. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue  every  two 
hours. 

Aconite. — Should  the  symptoms  after  a  short  time  re- 
main unabated,  or  change  for  the  worse,  other  remedies 
are  indicated,  and  the  treatment  should  be  of  the  most 
prompt  and  decided  character.  Aconite  is  indicated 
where  there  is  violent  febrile  reaction ;  dry  and  hot  skin, 
great  thirst,  full  and  rapid  pulse,  short  and  anxious 
respiration,  restlessness  and  anguish ;  eyes  red  and  sen- 
sitive, mouth  dry,  great  internal  heat ;  pain  in  the  fore- 
head and  head,  also  in  the  back  and  limbs,  heat  and 
sensitiveness  of  the  stomach ;  nausea,  vomiting,  and  a 
general  sense  of  prostration. 

DOSE. — This  remedy  is  particularly  indicated  in  the  first  and  some- 
times in  the  second  stage  of  the  disease.  It  is  often  indicated  in  al- 
ternation with  Belladonna,  when  it  should  be  given  two  drops  of  the 
tincture,  or  six  globules,  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  two  hours.  When  given  alone,  it  should  be  taken 
every  two  or  three  hours,  according  to  the  violence  of  symptoms. 

Belladonna. — Indicated  mostly  in  the  first  stage  of 
the  disease,  where  there  are  sharp  shooting  pains  or 
violent  throbbing  in  the  head;  face  bloated  and  red, 
eyes  sparkling  and  red,  or  fixed,  glistening  and  promi- 
nent, pulse  variable,  burning  thirst  and  heat,  tongue 
Loaded  with  whitish  yellow  or  brown  coating;  nausea 


YELLOW    FEVER.  43 


or  vomiting;  aching  and  cramplike  pains  in  the  loins, 
back  and  legs ;  during  the  fever,  great  restlessness  and 
anguish. 

DOSE. — The  same  as  Aconite. 

Sryonia. — Headache  increased  by  movement,  pains 
in  the  back,  loins,  aiid  limbs  ;  pulse  rapid,  full* or  weak; 
great  thirst,  tongue  dry  with  white  or  yellow  coating ; 
yellow  skin ;  eyes  painful  on  motion,  red,  or  dull  and 
glassy,  or  sparkling  and  filled  with  tears.  Pain  and 
burning  in  the  stomach,  or  fullness  and  oppression ; 
vomiting  or  nausea,  particularly  after  drinking;  rest- 
lessness, anxiety  and  delirium. 

DOSE. — The  same  as  Aconite.  Give  every  two  or  three  hours. 
Sometimes  the  remedy  can  be  alternated  with  Rhus. 

Rhus. — Dull,  glazed,  and  sunken  eyes ;  dry  and  black 
tongue,  pulse  quick  and  small;  talkative  delirium,  or 
partial  stupor;  moaning  and  great  restlessness,  particu- 
larly at  night.  Violent  pain  and  burning  in  the  stomach ; 
spasms  in  the  abdomen ;  numbness  or  partial  paralysis 
of  the  lower  extremities ;  nausea  and  vomiting,  colic, 
diarrhoea,  and  difficult  deglutition. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

9  Nux-vom. — Eyes  yellow  or  inflamed ;  yellow  skin ; 
pulse  variable ;  tongue  dry,  cracked  and  brown,  or  coat- 
ed with  a  white  or  yellow  fur ;  vertigo ;  pains  in  the 
head ;  pressure,  cramp-like  or  burning  pain  in  the 
stomach ;  hiccough ;  bilious  or  acid  vomiting ;  tremors 
of  the  limbs  ;  great  desire  for  stimulants ;  frequent  move- 
ments of  slimy,  bloody,  or  bilious  matter;  coldness, 
cramps,  and  numbness  in  the  lower  extremities. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  every  two  hours. 

Mercurius. — Tongue  moist  and  white,  or  dry  and 
brown,  pulse  very  changeable,  now  quick,  strong  and 
intermittent,  and  again  weak  and  trembling;  loss  of 
strength  and  feeling  of  fatigue  ;  vertigo  or  pain  in  the 
head ;  convulsive  vomiting  of  bilious  matter ;  extreme 


44  FEVER. 

tenderness  of  the  stomach ;  coldness  and  cramps  in  the 
arms  and  legs ;  constipation  or  loose  mucous,  bloody  or 
bilious  discharges. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Arsenic. — Changeable  expression  of  countenance,  ge- 
nerally a  yellowish,  bluish,  or  deathly  cast;  sunken 
eyes,  surrounded  by  a  dark  circle ;  lips  and  tongue 
brown  or  black ;  nose  pointed ;  cold  clammy  sweat,  pulse 
irregular,  generally  quick,  weak,  and  small,  or  trembling, 
indicating  great  prostration ;  burning  pains,  especially 
in  the  region  of  the  stomach  and  liver,  sometimes  with 
oppression  of  the  stomach,  and  vomiting,  particularly 
after  drinking;  diarrhoea  sometimes  with  pain  and 
tenesmus,  though  often  involuntary;  pain  in  the  ab- 
domen as  from  a  weight ;  oppression  of  the  chest,  with 
rapid  and  anxious  respiration.  Delirium,  low  muttering, 
or  talkative ;  loss  of  consciousness.  This  remedy  is 
peculiarly  applicable  in  the  second  and  third  stage, 
where  there  is  a  rapid  sinking  of  the  vital  power. 

DOSE. — Give  a  powder,  or  dissolve  six  globules  in  a  tumbler  of 
water,  and  give  a  tablespoonful  every  half  hour  or  hour,  as  the 
symptoms  may  indicate. 

Verotrum. — This  remedy  is  principally  indicated  in, 
the  second  and  third  stage,  where  there  is  a  general 
coldness,  particularly  of  the  hands  -and  feet,  which  may 
be  covered  with  a  cold  perspiration  ;  cramps  in  the  upper 
and  lower  extremities,  and  in  the  stomach  arid  abdomen ; 
frequent  loose  evacuations ;  pain  in  the  abdomen  and 
stomach :  vertigo ;  great  thirst ;  severe  vomiting,  some- 
times of  bile  and  mucus,  and  again  of  black  bile  and 
blood.  Loss  of  sense,  stupor  or  violent  delirium. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  half  hour,  hour,  or  two  hours,  according  to  symptoms. 

Phos.-ac. — Stupidity ;  aversion  to  conversation ;  great 
prostration,  stupid  expression,  with  glassy  hollow  eyes ; 
sleeplessness,  restless,  or  sleepiness,  or  delirium,  with 


BILIOUS    REMITTENT    FEVER.  45 

picking  the  clothes.    Cold  perspiration,  with  anxiety  and 
oppression  of  the  chest. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  in  a  glass  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every 
hour. 

Besides  the  remedies  we  have  already  enumerated, 
CantJi^  Carb.-vegr.,  Lack,  and  Sulph.  may  also  be  service- 
able. For  particular  indications,  see  Materia  Medica, 
at  the  close  of  the  book. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — When  the  attack  first  comes  on 
let  the  feet  be  placed  in  warm  mustard  water  for  a  few 
moments,  then  put  the  patient  in  bed,  cover  him  warmly, 
to  induce  perspiration  and  apply  cold  water  to  the  head. 
If  the  patient  is  very  thirsty,  small  lumps  of  ice  may 
be  held  in  the  mouth,  or  a  little  cold  water  or  toast- 
water  given. 

During  convalescence  particular  care  should  be  taken 
not  to  over-fatigue  the  system,  to  take  nourishment  in 
small  quantities  at  a  time,  and  to  avoid  mental  excite- 
ment. 

BILIOUS  REMITTENT,  REMITTENT  OR  BILIOUS  FEVER. 

CAUSES. — In  this  country,  this  form  of  fever  is  most 
violent,  and  prevails  to  a  greater  extent  in  the  southern 
and  western  states.  It  is  the  endemial  fever  of  warm 
climates,  particularly  where  the  soil  is  marshy,  the 
country  new,  and  the  vegetation  rich.  It  is  by  no  means 
rare  however  in  more  temperate  climates,  particularly 
in  the  autumn  or  during  a  summer  of  great  heat ;  it 
sometimes  develops  itself  in  the  winter  and  spring.  In 
addition  to  causes  already  named,  we  may  mention  dis- 
sipation, either  in  eating  or  drinking,  exposure  to 
changes  of  temperature,  anger,  fear,  or  grief,  and  in 
fact,  any  of  the  numerous  causes  by  which  the  digestive 
organs  are  disturbed. 

DIAGNOSIS. — This  fever  holds  perhaps  an  intermediate 
place  between  the  intermittent,  and  the  Typhoid,  into 


46  KEVER. 

which,  either  from  bad  treatment  or  the  weakness  and 
temperament  of  the  patient,  it  often  runs.    There  are 
generally  premonitory  symptoms,  such  as  headache,  un- 
pleasant sensation  of  the  stomach,  and  general  uneasi- 
ness.   A  chill,  more  or  less  severe,  is  followed  by  flushes 
of  heat ;  mouth  clammy  and  dry ;  thirst,  nausea,  and 
occasionally   vomiting;    pain   in  the   head,   back,   and 
limbs,  with  hurried  respiration  and  frequent,  small,  and 
sometimes  irregular  pulse.    These  symptoms  are  speedily 
followed  by  great  febrile  heat.     There  is  a  dry  skin, 
violent  and  throbbing  pain  in  the  head,  flushed  face, 
full  and  rapid  pulse,  and  sometimes   delirium.      The 
tongue  is  white,  there  is  a  tenderness  of  the  epigastrium, 
with  occasional  vomiting  ;  the  urine  is  high-colored,  and 
the  bowels  generally  constipated.     In  twelve  or  four- 
teen hours  a  remission  of  the  symptoms  generally  takes 
place,  although   the  fever   does   not   entirely   subside. 
After  a  calm  of  two  or -three  hours  the  exacerbation 
again  takes  place,  becoming  shorter  in  duration,  and  less 
violent  as  the  disease  abates.    In  the  more  severe  forms 
of  fever  the  remission  may  be  scarcely  perceptible,  yet 
there   are    certain    indications    always    present, — viz., 
gastric  irritability,  a  sense  of  oppression,  and  distress  of 
the  epigastrium,  pain  in  the  head,  back,  and  limbs,  and 
prostration  of  the  strength  early  in  the  disease.     Con- 
valescence  is   indicated   by  the   remissions   becoming 
more  distinct,  the  pulse  full,  soft,  and  less  frequent,  and 
the  bowels  and  stomach  more  regular  and  healthy  in 
their  action.     The  disease  may  continue  fourteen  days 
or  even  longer,  although  under  the  judicious  use   of 
homoeopathic  remedies,  it  not  unfrequently  disappears 
in  a  very  few  days. 

TREATMENT. — As  we  have  before  stated,  there  are  gene- 
rally premonitory  symptoms,  before  the  fever  sets  in,  in- 
dicating a  derangement  of  the  stomach  and  bowels, 
sometimes  lasting  several  days.  Taken  in  hand  now,  a 


BILIOUS  KEMITTENT   FEVER.  47 

few  doses  of  medicine  will  often  remove  every  symptom 
of  disease,  and  thus  prevent  a  sometimes  long  and  tedious 
fever. 

In  cases  of  indigestion,  where  there  is  fullness  and 
weight  of  the  stomach,  nausea  and  vomiting,  Ipecac,  and 
Pulsatilla  are  the  prominent  remedies.  Pulsatilla  is 
particularly  indicated  where  these  symptoms  arise  from 
the  use  of  fatty  food.  The  latter  remedy,  if  nausea  still 
continues  after  a  short  time,  can  be  followed  by  Ant.- 
erud. 

Where  the  disease  is  occasioned  by  changes  of  tem- 
perature, Bryonia,  RJius  and  Stibium  are  indicated. 
Chamomilla  when  occasioned  by  anger,  and  Ignatia  if 
by  vexation,  grief,  or  shame. 

Aconite. — Is  strongly  indicated  on  the  setting  in  of 
febrile  symptoms,  where  there  is  high  fever,  rapid  pulse, 
great  thirst,  yellow  coating  on  the  tongue ;  bitter  taste  ; 
bitter,  greenish  or  slimy  vomiting,  painfulness  in  the  re- 
gion of  the  stomach  and  the  liver,  and  severe  headache. 
Either  Bryonia,  Belladonna  or  Pulsatilla  may  be  indi- 
cated in  alternation  with  Aconite. 

DOSE. — Mix  two  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water, 
and  give  a  tablespoonful  every  two  hours,  until  the  fever  is  relieved 
or  the  symptoms  indicate  other  remedies. 

Bryonia. — Where  there  is  aching  or  tired  sensation 
in  the  head,  back,  and  limbs ;  constipation ;  bilious  vo- 
miting, especially  after  drinking ;  great  heat,  or  shiver- 
ing with  heat  in  the  face  ;  great  desire  for  acids,  and 
aversion  to  food,  bitter  or  insipid  taste  ;  dry,  brownish- 
yellow  tongue. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  with  which  if  fever  is  present  it  may  be 
alternated  one  hour  apart. 

Belladonna. — Violent  pain  in  the  head,  particularly 
the  forehead  ;  dry  mouth ;  yellow  or  white  tongue ;  heat 
about  the  head,  with  thirst,  alternating  with  chills ;  vo- 
miting of  sour  or  bitter  substances ;  sopor  in  the  day- 
time, and  sleepless  nights. 


48  FEVER. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  with  which  it  may  be  alternated. 
Pulnatilla. — Whi tish  tongue  ;  flat,  pappy,  or  bitter 
taste;  bitter  and  offensive  belching;  aversion  to  food, 
and  desire  for  acids ;  nausea ;  vomiting  of  food,  mucous 
or  sour  or  bitter  substances  ;  pressure  in  the  stomach, 
and  difficult  breathing ;  inclination  to  diarrhoea,  and  fre- 
quent shivering. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  with  which,  if  fever  is  present,  it  may  be 
alternated,  two  hours  apart.  More  generally  indicated  in  females. 

Chamomilla. — Bitter  taste,  fetid  smell  from  the  mouth ; 
loss  of  appetite ;  nausea,  and  sour  or  bitter  vomiting ; 
anguish,  tightness,  and  pressure  in  the  stomach  ;  flatu- 
lent colic  ;  constipation ;  diarrhoea  with  greenish  or  sour 
stools ;  restlessness,  and  ill-humor ;  heat  of  the  face  and 
eyes,  with  red  cheeks,  or  heat  with  shivering. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Veratmm. — Great  debility  after  a  stool ;  bilious  vo- 
miting and  diarrhoea ;  pain  in  the  abdomen,  and  cold- 
ness of  the  extremities. 

DOSE. — Dissolve  three  drops  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half 
full  of  water  and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours,  accord- 
ing to  symptoms. 

Ipecac. — More  particularly  in  the  first  part  of  the  dis- 
ease, where  there  is  loathing  of  food,  nausea,  ineffectual 
efforts  to  vomit,  or  vomiting ;  pressure  and  painful  full- 
ness in  the  pit  of  the  stomach ;  diarrhoea ;  aching  in  the 
forehead ;  heat  with  thirst  or  shiverings. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  full  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours  until  relieved,  or  another  remedy  is 
indicated. 

Nwc.-vom. — Dry  and  white  or  yellowish  tongue ;  bit- 
ter taste ;  nausea,  and  vomiting,  particularly  when  in  the 
air;  tightness,  and  pressure  in  the  region  of  the  sto- 
mach ;  spasmodic  colic ;  constipation  with  frequent  and 
ineffectual  urging  to  stool,  or  with  slimy  or  watery  stools; 
aching  in  the  forehead  with  vertigo ;  ill-humor ;  heat 
with  shivering ;  bruised  sensation  in  the  limbs. 


INTERMITTENT  FEVER.  49 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  every  three  hours. 

Mercurius. — Moist,  white,  or  yellowish  tongue ;  pain- 
fulness  of  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  particularly  at 
night,  with  anguish  and  restlessness ;  sleepy  in  the  day, 
and  wakeful  at  night ;  ill-humor. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Arsenicum. — Great  debility;  burning  sensation  and 
sensitiveness  of  the  stomach,  often  with  nausea  and  vo- 
miting. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  every  two  hours. 
Colocynth. — Violent  colic,  particularly   after  eating, 
sometimes  with  diarrhoea ;  cramp  in  the  calves. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenicum. 

Stibium. — A  prominent  remedy  in  bilious  fever,  gene- 
rally in  alternation  with  Bryonia.  Nausea,  gagging  and 
vomiting,  aching  pain  in  the  forehead,  bruised  sensation 
in  the  limbs ;  oppression  of  breathing,  dry  heat  and  ra- 
pid pulse. 

DOSE. — A  powder  in  alternation  with  Bryonia,  one  or  two  hours 
apart. 

Ithus  is  often  indicated  in  alternation  with  Bryonia ; 
for  its  particular  indications  as  well  as  for  those  of  Sul- 
phur, see  Materia  Medica. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — See  general  remarks  further  on. 
If  constipation  of  three  or  four  days'  standing  it  may  be 
necessary  to  give  an  injection.  For  the  manner  of  pre- 
paring which,  see  Index. 

INTERMITTENT  FEVERS. 
Chills  and  Fever.     Fever  and  Ague. 

FEBRES  INTERMITTENS. 

The  symptoms  of  this  fever  are  so  marked,  that  there 
is  no  difficulty  in  distinguishing  it  from  all  other  forms. 
In  remittent  fever,  the  fever  is  never  entirely  absent 
during  the  remission,  while  in  intermittent  the  paroxysm 
comes  on,  and  in  a  few  hours,  passes  entirely  oif,  leaving 
the  patient  without  any  perceptible  trace  of  the  fever. 
3 


50  FEVER. 

It  prevails  more  extensively  in  marshy  countries,  par- 
ticularly at  the  south  and  west,  where  the  land  is  being 
drained,  forests  leveled,  and  the  rich  soil  turned  up  by 
the  plow.  The  air  is  poisoned  with  a  miasm  so  subtile 
in  its  character  as  to  defy  detection,  and  yet  so  power- 
ful as  to  prostrate  the  strongest  man.  It  may  also  be 
developed  after  other  diseases. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  paroxysm  is  generally  marked  by 
three  distinct  stages,  viz.  1st,  cold ;  2d,  fever  ;  and  3d, 
sweating  stage  •  although  these  stages  sometimes  seen 
commingled  together.  The  symptoms  in  this  disease  are 
exceedingly  variable.  In  some  cases,  the  paroxysms  ap- 
pear every  day,  in  others,  every  other  day,  and  again, 
once  in  three  or  four  days  or  even  one  or  two  weeks  apart. 

TKe  cold  stage  is  preceded  by  headache,  languor,  and 
a  stretching  sensation;  blueness  of  the  nails,  and  numb- 
ness of  the  toes  and  fingers.  The  coldness  and  shivering 
of  the  limbs  and  back  gradually  increase  and  pervade 
the  whole  body,  the  teeth  chatter,  the  shivering  is  so 
violent  as  to  shake  the  bed ;  the  application  of  external 
warmth  produces  no  immediate  effect.  There  is  oppres- 
sion of  the  chest,  pain  in  the  head  or  stupor  and  deli- 
rium. The  pulse  is  weak  and  oppressed. 

This  stage  varies  in  violence  and  duration,  lasting  from 
half  an  hour  to  three  hours,  when  it  is  followed  by  the 
hot  stage. 

This  stage  is  characterized  by  violent  fever,  quick,  wiry, 
and  rapid  pulse,  great  thirst,  dry  skin,  flushed  face,  pain 
in  the  head,  and  sometimes  delirium,  hurried  breathing, 
and  oppression  of  the  chest. 

lasts  from  three  to  twelve  hours,  when  it  terminates 
in  the  sweating  stage,  or,  as  is  sometimes  the  case  in 
warm  climates,  runs  into  remittent,  or  continued  fever. 

Sweating  stage.  The  violence  of  the  fever  begins  to 
abate  and  is  succeeded  by  profuse  perspiration :  the  pulse 
becomes  less  frequent,  soft  and  full,  and  the  aches  and 


INTERMITTENT   FEVER.  51 

pains  rapidly  disappear,  until  all  traces  of  the  former 
violent  paroxysm  have  entirely  subsided. 

TREATMENT. — The  remedies  indicated  are  numerous, 
and  should  be  selected  with  great  care.  No  disease  re- 
quires more  care  in  the  selection  of  remedies  than  this. 
A  prominent  remedy  in  distinctly  marked  intermittent, 
where  all  three  of  the  stages  are  clearly  and  distinctly 
defined,  is  undoubtedly — 

Quinine. — Those  of  our  Allopathic  friends,  who  cure 
intermittent,  without  leaving  after  unpleasant  conse- 
quences, would  be  somewhat  surprised,  if  told  the  action 
of  that  drug  is  purely  homoeopathic,  and  their  patient  is 
cured  strictly  on  the  homoeopathic  principle. 

DOSE. — Ten  grains  may  be  thoroughly  triturated  with  twice  the 
amount  of  white  sugar,  or  sugar  of  milk,  and  made  into  ten  powders, 
one  of  which  can  be  taken  every  three  hours,  during  the  intermission 
of  the  paroxysm,  or  five  grains  may  be  dissolved  in  ten  tablespoon- 
fuls  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  taken  in  the  same  way.  During 
the  paroxysm,  the  remedy  must  be  discontinued.  Even  if  it  should 
not  return,  a  powder  should  still  be  given  every  day  for  five  or  six 
days. 

In  addition  to  the  above  remedy,  one  or  more  of  the  following  well 
selected,  are  frequently  sufficient  to  produce  a  speedy  cure.  Aeon., 
Ars.,  Ant.-crud.,  Ipecac.,  Nux-vom.,  Puls.,  Bry.,  Verat.,  Sab.,  Ig- 
natia,  Cham.,  Loch.,  Rhus.,  Caps.,  Sulph.,  Op.,  Carbo-veg.,  Cocc., 
Bell. 

Ipecac,  is  often  Mghly  beneficial  in  connection  with 
Nux,  particularly  in  the  commencement  of  the  disease. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  should  be  given  every  three 
hours  between  the  paroxysms,  and  a  powder  or  three  globules  of 
Nux,  immediately  after  the  attack.  If  the  next  attack  should  be 
equally  violent,  of  course  another  remedy  should  be  selected.  If  the 
tincture  is  given,  one  drop  may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  half  full  01 
water,  and  a  tablespoonful  taken  at  a  dose.  The  particular  indica- 
tions for  Ipecac,  are — much  shivering  with  but  little  heat,  or  the 
contrary  ;  shivering  increased  by  external  warmth  ;  oppression  of  the 
precordial  region  :  nausea,  vomiting.  It  is  also  particularly  indicated 
in  that  variety,  where  the  third  or  sweating  stage  is  scarcely  per- 
ceptible. 

Nux-vom. — This  remedy  as  well  as  Verat.,  Bry.,  BeU.^ 
Coo.,  Puls.  and  Ipecac,  will  be  found  useful,  where  the 
bowels  are  constipated,  and  when  errors -in  diet  give  rise 


52  FEVER. 

to  bilious  symptoms.  '  It  is  more  particularly  indicated 
in  those  fevers,  where  the  paroxysm  comes  on  every  day 
or  every  other  day,  generally  in  the  afternoon,  evening, 
or  night,  and  where  there  is  aching  pain  in  the  forehead, 
vertigo,  nausea,  and  bitter  taste ;  spasms  of  the  stomach, 
and  great  weakness.  We  shall  also  find  it  useful,  where 
there  ar£,  particularly  at  the  commencement  of  the  dis- 
ease, paralytic  weakness  of  the  limbs,  giddiness  and  pros- 
tration ;  difficult  breathing,  palpitation  of  the  heart, 
shivering,  followed  by  anxiety  and  warmth ;  violent  head- 
ache, increased  by  walking  and  the  open  air ;  burning, 
itching,  and  sometimes  delirium. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ipecac.,  with  which  it  may  be  compared. 

Belladonna. — Violent  headache  with  dizziness ;  shiver- 
ing, with  moderate  heat,  or  the  contrary.  Heat  with  red- 
ness of  the  face  and  pulsation  of  the  arteries. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  or  six  globules,  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  every  two  hours,  during  the  paroxysm ;  where  the 
fever  has  been  of  long-standing,  every  six  hours  during  the  inter- 
mission. 

Arsenic— IB  a  prominent  remedy  in  this  disease,  par- 
ticularly where  the  stages  are  not  distinctly  marked,  but 
are  in  a  measure  commingled ;  or  where  there  is  burning 
heat,  with  anguish,  restlessness,  and  great  thirst ;  great 
prostration  of  strength ;  nausea,  retching  and  vomiting ; 
severe  pains  in  the  stomach  and  throughout  the  body. 
Preceding  the  chilly  stage,  there  is  often  stretching, 
yawning,  headache,  vertigo,  with  stupefaction ;  between 
the  chilly  and  hot  stage,  debility  and  sleep,  vertigo, 
thirst,  nausea  and  vomiting. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ipecac.,  given  during  the  intermission  of  the  fever 
every  three  hours.  (Compare  Chin.  Ipecac,  and  Verat. 

Veratrum — Is  indicated  in  those  fevers  which  consist 
simply  of  external  coldness,  or  internal  heat,  with  dark 
urine,  or  when  a  warm  sweat  is  present,  soon  becoming 
cold,  accompanied  with  vertigo,  nausea,  and  great  pain 
in  the  back. 


INTERMITTENT    FEVER.  53 

DOSE.— Same  as  Belladonna.  Give  every  two  hours  during  the 
continuation  of  the  symptoms. 

PulsatiUa* — Will  be  found  beneficial,  where  there  is 
vomiting  of  mucus ;  moderate  thirst,  pain  in  the  head, 
and  oppression  of  the  chest,  during  the  cold  stage,  and 
shivering  when  uncovered,  during  the  hot  and  sweating 
stage  ;  aggravation  in  the  afternoon  or  evening ;  gastric 
or  bilious  aifections  with  their  accompanying  symptoms 
between  the  paroxysms. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna.  Give  during  the  intermission  of 
fever  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Ant.-cr. — Has  a  close  resemblance  to  Pulsatilla.  The 
perspiration  is  simultaneous  with  the  heat,  and  suddenly 
disappears  leaving  dry  heat,  thirst,  want  of  appetite, 
nausea,  vomiting,  pressure  in  the  stomach,  and  pain  in 
the  chest. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ipecac.    Give  same  as  Belladonna. 

Bryonia. — Where  the  paroxysms  occur  daily  or  every 
other  day,  particularly  in  the  morning,  preceded  by  ver- 
tigo, pain  in  the  forehead ;  coldness  and  shivering  more 
prominent  than  heat.  During  the  chilly  and  hot  stage, 
dry  cough,  stinging  in  the  chest,  asthma,  nausea. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Opium. — Particularly  in  young  and  old  persons,  where 
there  is  great  drowsiness,  snoring  sleep,  flushed  face. 
Give  a  tablespoonful  every  two  hours,  during  fever. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water. 

Rhus. — Is  nearly  related  to  Bryonia,  with  which  it  can 
often  be  given  in  alternation.  The  chilliness  is  some- 
times attended  with  pain  in  the  limbs,  headache,  vertigo, 
and  nausea.  There  is  generally  great  restlessness  and 
thirst;  gastric  symptoms,  nettle  rash;  convulsions  and 
hardness  of  hearing. 

DOSE — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Capsicum. — Prevalence  of  the  chilly  stage,  during 
which  alone  there  is  thirst ,  heat  and  sweat  simultaneous; 
restlessness,  headache  or  confusion  of  the  head,  sensitive 


54  FEVER. 

to  noise,  vomiting  of  mucus,  pain  in  the  chest  and  back, 
tearing  in  the  limbs,  diarrhoea  with  slime  and  burning 
ffeces.  (Compare  with  Carb.-v.) 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water  a  tablespoonful 
during  the  paroxysm  every  hour. 

Aconite. — When  the  paroxysms  of  fever  are  violent, 
Aconite  should  be  given,  two  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  every  hour,  in  alternation  if  necessary  with 
the  Capsicum,  Belladonna,  or  Opium. 

For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  re- 
medies, see  page  12. 


CUTANEOUS  DISEASES.  55 


CHAPTER    II. 
CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

The  skin  is  liable  to  an  almost  innumerable  class  of 
diseases,  some  affecting  also  other  organs,  and  even  the 
whole  system,  accompanied  with  severe  pain,  violent 
fever  and  often  delirium,  ending  unless  speedily  reliev- 
ed, in  death.  Others  are  of  a  more  chronic  character, 
attended  with  but  little,  if  any  fever,  oftentimes  tedious 
in  their  cure,  and  generally  far  more  annoying  than 
dangerous.  Among  the  former  class  we  may  mention, 
Scarlet  Fever,  Erysipelas,  Measles,  and  Small-Pox. 

Scarlet  Fever,  Measles,  Chicken-Pox,  and  Small-Pox, 
are  infectious,  and  generally  prevail  as  epidemics.  Very 
seldom  is  a  person  attacked  with  either  of  the  above 
diseases  more  than  once.  The  danger  of  infection  is 
greatest  after  death.  Infection  seldom  if  ever  takes 
place  before  the  eruption  appears,  but  from  that  time 
until  the  pustules  have  fairly  dried  up,  or  the  eruption 
has  in  a  great  measure  subsided,  the  infectious  matter 
is  being  constantly  thrown  from  the  system. 

For  the  sake  of  convenience,  we  shall  divide  eruptive 
diseases  into  two  classes.  1.  Eruptive  Fever.  2.  General 
Cutaneous  Diseases. 

1.  ERUPTIVE  FEVERS. 

NETTLE     RASH.         URTICARIA. 

This  rash  is  seldom  dangerous,  although  excessively 
tormenting.  The  eruption  resembles  very  much  that 
produced  by  the  sting  of  the  nettle,  hence  its  name.  It 
consists  of  an  irregular  pale  red,  or  whitish  eminence, 
surrounded  by  a  rosy  hue.  Its  appearance  is  preceded 


56  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

by  restlessness,  and  accompanied  with  heat,  burning  and 
tingling  in  the  spots,  itching  and  irritation.  The  blotches 
are  constantly  changing  their  position,  disappearing  in 
a  few  hours  in  one  part  of  the  body,  and  reappearing  in 
another.  They  are  generally  brought. out  by  cold,  and 
disappear  in  warmth. 

It  is  occasioned  by  cold,  changes  of  the  temperature, 
excessive  eating  and  drinking,  and  in  many  persons 
produced  by  the  use  of  shell-fish,  oatmeal,  almonds, 
strawberries,  and  other  kinds  of  food. 

TREATMENT. — External  applications  should  be  avoided. 
If  the  rash  is  produced  by  a  cold,  is  preceded  by  a 
stinging  sensation,  Dulcamara  is  the  proper  remedy,  a 
dose  every  six  or  twelve  hours.  If  the  rash  is  accom- 
panied by  a  little  fever,  is  of  burning  stinging  character. 
Ithus  should  be  given.  Bryonia  is  indicated,  when  the 
rash  is  occasioned  by  damp  weather,  and  is  accompanied 
with  shivering. 

.  DOSE. — Dissolve  one  drop  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  three  hours. 

Pulsatilla  and  Nux-vow.  are  the  prominent  remedies, 
when  the  disease  is  occasioned  by  indigestion,  Pulsatilla 
being  particularly  indicated,  when  it  arises  from  the  use 
of  fatty  food,  and  Nux  from  the  use  of  shell-fish  and 
fruits. 

DOSE. — Of  the  first,  a  drop  or  three  globules  may  be  dissolved  in 
a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  and  a  teaspoonful  taken  every  three  or 
six  hours.  Of  the  last,  if  in  tincture  or  globules,  give  as  above  ;  if 
in  powder,  give  dry  on  the  tongue,  at  the  same  intervals. 

Ipecac,  is  also  useful,  when  the  rash  is  accompanied 
with  nausea.     Should  it  assume   a  chronic  characteiy- 
Calcarea,  Sulphur,  Mercurius,  or  Nitr.-acid  may  be  given. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  of  the  Ipecac,  may  be  given 
every  two  or  three  hours.  Of  the  latter  remedies  a  powder  or  three 
globules  may  be  taken  morning  and  night. 

Should  unpleasant  symptoms  arise  from  the  rash 
striking  in,  a  dose  of  Ipecac,  may  be  given,  followed  in 


SCARLET    RASH.  57 


two  hours  by  Bryonia,  a  dose  every  two  hours  until  it 
has  been  taken  three  or  four  times. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  diet  should  be  plain  and 
simple,  abstaining  from  every  thing  of  a  heating  or  sti- 
mulating character.  The  above  remedies  will  also  ge- 
nerally be  successful  in  the  treatment  of  other  simple 
forms  of  rash  unconnected  with  any  other  disease,  with 
the  addition,  perhaps  of  Aconite,  where  there  is  much 
increase  of  the  circulation,  and  Chamomilla,  when  oc- 
curring in  children. 

For  more  particular  directions  as  it  regards  the  admin- 
istration of  remedies,  see  page  12. 

SCARLET  RASH.  PURPLE  RASH.  MILIARIA  PURPUREA. 

Scarlet  Rash  is  frequently  developed  in  connection 
with  Variola,  Measles,  and  Scarlet  Fever.  It  is  not  un- 
frequently  mistaken  for  the  latter  disease,  to  which  it 
has  a  considerable  resemblance,  and  from  which  it  is 
important,  that  it  should  be  distinguished  as  the  treat- 
ment is  entirely  different.  Happily  this  can  very  readily 
be  done ;  the  small  granular  elevations  easily  felt  on 
passing  the  hand  over  the  skin,  the  dark  redness  of  the 
efflorescence,  and  no  white  imprint  being  left  after  pres- 
sure with  the  finger  are  sufficient  marks  of  distinction. 

Precursory  symptoms  are  chilliness  alternating  with 
heat,  heaviness  and  fullness  in  the  head,  vertigo  and 
aching  pain  in  the  forehead.  These  symptoms  generally 
last  but  a  short  time.  The  eruption  shows  itself  in  no 
particular  place,  but  is  more  frequently  seen  on  the 
covered  parts,  and  about  the  bend  of  the  joints.  Sore 
throat  may  be  felt  previous  to  the  eruption,  but  entirely 
subsides  while  the  eruption  is  out.  Should,  however, 
the  eruption  recede,  the  throat  becomes  highly  inflamed, 
and  the  disease  may  immediately  assume  a  dangerous 
type.  There  is  great  danger  of  this  disease  striking  in, 
thus  producing  derangement  of  the  brain,  or  some  other 


58  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

vital  organ,  causing  death.  The  disease  is  contagious, 
and  those  who  have  had  it  once,  are  still  liable  to  have 
it  many  times  again. 

TREATMENT. — When  this  disease  exists  alone,  Aconite 
is  almost  a  specific  remedy. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules  dissolved  in -a  tumbler  of  water. 
A  tablespoonful  given  once  in  two  or  three  hours  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms,  until  five  or  six  doses  have  been  taken, 
will  often  be  sufficient.  Should,  however,  there  be  a  whining  mood, 
great  restlessness,  pain  in  the  head,  back,  and  extremities,  Coffea 
will  be  indicated  and  may  be  given,  generally  in  alternation  with 
Aconite,  and  prepared  in  the  same  manner,  two  hours  apart. 

Should  the  eruption  be  slow  in  making  its  appearance 
or  suddenly  disappear,  Ipecac,  and  Bryonia  may  be  given 
in  alternation,  in  the  former  case,  every  two  hours,  and 
in  the  latter,  every  half  hour,  until  relief  is  obtained. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Belladonna  will  be  required,  should  symptoms  of  head 
disturbance  occur,  with  starting  on  closing  the  eyes, 
fullness  of  the  head,  and  blood-shot  eyes. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  hour. 

Should  there  be  stupor,  Opium  would  be  required, 
administered  in  the  same  way  as  Belladonna.  When  the 
disease  is  of  a  malignant  character,  or  complicated  with 
Scarlet  Fever,  the  treatment  should  be  similar  to  that 
indicated  in  Scarlet  Fever. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  diet  should  be  of  a  light 
farinaceous  character,  and  great  care  observed  to  prevent 
taking  cold. 

SCARLATINA. 

Scarlet  Fever. 

Scarlatina,  is  generally  a  contagious  epidemic,  seldom 
attacking  persons  but  once,  and  more  frequently  seizing 
its  victims  from  the  ranks  of  childhood.  The  cheek  of 
many  a  mother  has  grown  pale  with  terror  as  she  heard 
the  news  of  its  approach,  and  gathering  her  children 


SCARLATINA.  59 


around  her,  she  has  fled  from  the  neighborhood  tainted 
by  its  presence,  as  from  the  breath  of  a  pestilence.  In 
severe  cases  the  rapidity  of  its  progress,  often  running 
its  course  in  two  or  three  days,  and  where  the  termina- 
tion is  not  fatal,  the  danger  of  its  leaving  behind  some 
chronic  difficulty, '  are  enough  to  cause  it  to  be  dreaded 
in  every  community.  The  treatment  of  this  disease 
with  a  success  hitherto  unknown,  and  in  many  cases  its 
prevention  did  much  towards  turning  the  attention  of 
the  public  to  Hahnemann,  and  that  great  law  of  cure, 
which  is  now  pervading  every  land. 

DIAGXOSIS. — The  genuine  Scarlatina  seldom  attacks 
persons  beyond  the  age  of  twelve,  and  is  now  generally 
met  with  in  complication  with  scarlet  rash  or  some  other 
disease.  The  eruption  is  like  the  redness  of  erysepelas, 
of  a  fiery  bright,  scarlet  red,  or  resembling  the  color  of 
a  boiled  lobster,  turning  white  under  pressure  of  the 
finger,  but  speedily,  on  the  finger  being  removed,  re- 
suming its  original  color.  The  boundaries  of  this  red- 
ness are  not  distinctly  defined,  but  are  imperceptibly 
lost  in  the  surrounding  white  parts.  The  red  skin  is 
perfectly  smooth  and  glossy,  the  redness  from  time  to 
time  increasing  or  diminishing  in  extent  and  intensity. 
The  eruption  commences  on  the  uncovered  parts,  or 
those  slightly  covered,  as  the  face,  neck,  hands,  arms, 
chest  and  feet,  is  accompanied  with  swelling,  and  gradu- 
ally spreads  over  the  body.  Simultaneous  with  the  red- 
ness, the  heat  and  fever  appear,  continuing,  in  simple 
cases,  three  or  four  days,  and  in  malignant  ones,  about 
seven,  when  the  eruption  gradually  becomes  paler  and 
paler  until  it  entirely  disappears.  The  more  extensive 
and  intense  the  redness,  the  more  violent  the  fever. 
With  the  disappearance  of  the  redness  and  the  abate- 
ment of  the  fever  commences  the  stage  of  desquamation 
when  the  epidermis  peals  off  in  large  patches.  In  con- 
nection with  the  fever,  dryness  of  the  mouth,  severe 


60  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

soreness  and  often  ulceration  of  the  throat  exist.  A 
severe  form  of  the  fever  is  often  preceded  by  vomiting. 
If  the  disease  is  combined  with  scarlet  rash,  instead  of 
the  skin  presenting  a  smooth  shining  appearance,  the 
roughness  of  the  eruption  is  distinctly  felt  on  passing 
the  hand  over  the  surface.  This  disease  was  formerly, 
frequently  mistaken  for  measles,  but  to  the  careful  observer 
the  distinctive  marks  are  sufficiently  plain.  Independent 
of  the  eruption,  the  soreness  of  the  throat  present  in  scar- 
latina, is  absent  in  measles,  and  the  catarrhal  symptoms, 
which  are  present  at  the  outset  of  measles  are  not  ob- 
served in  the  commencement  of  scarlet  fever. 

TREATMENT. — Belladonna  is  the  specific  in  the  true 
form  of  this  disease,  a  few  doses  of  which  will  often  afford 
decided  and  permanent  relief.  There  is  fever,  quickness 
of  the  pulse,  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  thirst,  throat 
highly  inflamed  and  swollen ;  spasmodic  contraction  of 
the  throat,  danger  of  suffocation,  and  inability  to  swal- 
low the  least  liquid ;  thirst,  red  and  dry  tongue,  inflamed 
and  painful  eyes;  pressure  over  the  eyes  or  shooting  in 
the  head ;  starts  and  jerks  on  closing  the  eyes,  sleep- 
lessness with  great  nervous  excitement.  The  external 
redness  does  not  always  appear,  but  in  these  -cases  the 
throat  is  swollen  and  painful,  and  the  tongue  presents  a 
bright  red  appearance. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  of  the  remedy  should  be  dis- 
solved in  a  tumbler  of  water  and  a  tablespoonful  given  every  two  or 
three  hours,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  symptoms.  Should  the 
symptoms  be  accompanied  with  fever,  dry  heat,  bilious  vomiting,  &c., 
especially  in  the  commencement  of  the  disease,  Aconitcmay  be  alter- 
nated with  the  Belladonna,  one  or  two  hours  apart.  Stibium  may  also 
be  indicated  in  the  same  manner,  a  powder  given  in  alternation  with 
Belladonna,  when  the  Aconite  proves  unavailing,  and  when  there  is 
a  stupid  condition,  great  heat,  nausea,  vomiting,  convulsions  or  spas- 
modic jerks  and  imperfect  development  of  the  eruption.  If  the 
symptoms  should  become  worse  shortly  after  the  administration  of 
the  Belladonna,  it  may  be  suspended,  and  the  article  in  the  Intro- 
duction, on  the  administration  of  remedies,  be  consulted.  If  the  in- 
crease of  symptoms  are  an  aggravation  of  the  remedy,  the  system 


SCARLATINA.  61 


will  soon  react,  if  however  they  are  aggravations  of  the  disease,  other 
remedies  will  be  necessary. 

Mercurius — Is  a  prominent  remedy  in  the  malignant 
form  of  the  disease,  where  there  is  great  inflammation 
about  the  throat,  swelling  and  ulceration  of  the  glands, 
accompanied  by  an  offensive  smell,  salivation  and  ulce- 
ration of  the  mouth.  It  may  be  given  after  or  in  alter- 
nation with  Belladonna,  two  hours  apart. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.  If  after 
the  expiration  of  twelve  or  fourteen  hours  no  improvement  is  mani- 
fest, but  the  restlessness  increases  and  the  saliva  becomes  more 
offensive,  Lachesis  and  Arsenic  may  be  given  in  alternation,  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  Mercurius,  one  or  two  hours  apart,  until  five  or 
six  doses  of  each  have  been  taken  or  until  a  change  is  indicated. 

Arsenic — Will  be  indicated,  where  there  is  great 
prostration  of  strength,  distorted  features,  nightly  burn- 
ing fever,  gangrene  of  the  throat,  as  well  as  in  the  va- 
rious forms  of  dropsy  caused  by  this  disease. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  may  be  given  every  three 
hours. 

Capsicum — is  also  a  useful  remedy,  when  there  is  red- 
ness of  the  face,  alternating  with  paleness  ;  violent  sore 
throat,  painful  swallowing,  and  contraction  and  spasm 
in  the  throat,  pains  in  the  neck,  sneezing,  hoarseness, 
hacking  cough  and  accumulation  of  tough  mucus  in  the 
throat. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler 
of  water,  and  a  spoonful  given  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Coffea — Is  often  indicated  in  alternation  with  Bella- 
donna, when  there  is  great  restlessness,  irritability  and 
whining  mood,  particularly  at  night.  They  may  be 
alternated  one  or  two  hours  apart. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water  a 
teaspoon  at  a  dose. 

RJius — Will  be  found  useful,  when  the  disease  assumes 
a  vesicular  form,  and  is  accompanied  with  restlessness, 
staits,  thirst,  and  dry  tongue. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna.     Give  every  one  or  two  hours. 


62  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 


Muriatic-acid  is  another  prominent  remedy  in  the 
malignant  form  of  this  disease,  as  well  as  in  certain 
varieties  of  Typhoid  Fever.  It  is  indicated,  where  there 
is  severe  ulceration  of  the  throat,  fetid  breath,  acrid  dis- 
charge from  the  nose,  soreness  and  blisters  about  the 
nose  and  lips,  efflorescence  of  an  irregular  and  faint 
color,  changing  to  a  dark  red,  frequently  intermixed 
with  petechiae ;  flushing  of  the  check,  and  dull  redness 
of  the  eyes.  It  is  more  frequently  indicated  after  Mer- 
curius  and  Lachesis,  particularly  if  those  remedies  have 
in  a  measure  failed  of  producing  good  results. 

DOSE. — Sufficient  of  Muriatic-acid  may  be  put  in  a  tumbler  ol 
water,  to  make  it  very  slightly  tart,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  every 
two  or  three  hours. 

Nitric-acid. — May  also  be  thought  of,  when  the  swell- 
ing and  ulceration  are  severe. 

Opium. — This  remedy  will  be  found  useful  where  there 
is  snoring  sleep,  great  restlessr.ess,  sometimes  with  vomit- 
ing or  constipation,  burning  heat,  and  stupefaction. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna.     Give  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Sulphur — Will  prove  beneficial  where  there  is  le- 
thargic sleep,  starts  or  constant  delirium,  puffed  red  face ; 
red,  dry  and  cracked  tongue,  great  thirst;  cerebral  affec- 
tions, which  do  not  yield  readily  to  Belladonna. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  may  be  given  every  two  or 
three  hours  until  three  doses  have  been  taken,  then  select  some  other 
remedy. 

SECONDARY  DISEASES  SUCCEEDING  SCARLATINA. — Severe 
pain  in  the  ear  will  generally  be  relieved  by  Pulsatilla, 
one  drop,  or  four  globules,  dissolved  in  a  glass  of  water,  and 
a  tablespoonful  taken  every  two  or  three  hours,  until  four 
or  five  doses  have  been  taken.  If  this  not  does  produce 
relief,  alternate  Belladonna,  prepared  in  the  same  man- 
ner, and  Hepar-sulph..,  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  one 
hour  apart 

The  running  at  the  ear  will  generally  be  controlled  by 
Calcarea,  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  six  hours. 


SCARLATINA.  63 


Fetid  discharge  at  the  nose,  and  pain  in  the  nasal 
bones  will  be  relieved  by  a  few  doses  of  Aurum,  a  pow- 
der, or  three  globules,  at  intervals  of  four  or  six  hours. 

Mercurius  will  be  found  beneficial,  where  there  is 
ulceration  of  the  face  or  throat ;  a  powder,  or  three  glo- 
bules, three  times  a  day  to  be  followed,  if  necessary, 
after  three  or  four  days,  Sil.  Cole.,  Hep.-s.,  Sulph,  or  lod. 

Digitalis  is  of  benefit  when  there  an  indications  of 
dropsy  of  the  chest,  such  as  oppressed  breathing,  thin 
and  weak  pulse.  Give  same  as  Hellebore. 

Should  there  be  symptoms  of  dropsy  of  the  ~brain,  such 
as,  great  heat  about  the  head,  cold  extremities,  vomiting 
on  moving,  Belladonna  and  Hellebore  may  be  given,  one 
drop,  or  six  globules,  dissolved  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  and  a  teaspoonful  administered  in  alternation 
every  two  hours. 

In  cases  of  dropsical  swelling  of  the  body,  or  the  ex- 
tremities, I  have  found  great  benefit  from  an  alkaline 
bath.  The  water,  comfortably  tepid,  is  made  sufficiently 
alkaline,  to  be  perceptible  to  the  taste,  by  dissolving  in 
it  Pearlash  or  Sal&ratus.  In  this  bath  the  patient  may 
be  placed  once  or  twice  a  day,  being  permitted  to  remain 
four  or  five  minutes. 

Hellebore,  and  Belladonna,  as  directed  above,  may  be 
given  in  alternation  four  hours  apart.  Should  the  diffi- 
culty still  continue,  after  three  or  four  days,  Arsenic  or 
PJios.-ac.  given  at  intervals  of  six  hours,  will  generally 
complete  the  cure. 

Croupy  cough  will  be  relieved  by  a  few  doses  of 
Hepar-s.  given  every  four  hours.  During  the  administra- 
tion of  these  remedies,  the  patient  should  be  very  careful 
to  avoid  taking  cold. 

PREVENTION. — During  the  prevalence  of  the  scarlet 
fever,  the  attack  may  frequently  by  warded  off  entirely, 
or  the  disease  rendered  comparatively  harmless,  by  ad- 
ministering every  evening  three  globules  of  Belladonna, 


64  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

for  one  or  two  weeks.  I  have  always  found  as  a  pre- 
ventive the  higher  attenuations  of  this  remedy  far  more 
beneficial,  than  the  lower. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Diet  should  be  simple,  such  as 
gruels,  toast,  &c.,  returning  gradually  and  carefully  to 
more  nourishing  food.  The  room,  of  course,  should  be 
well  ventilated,  and  yet  the  patient  strictly  guarded 
against  taking  cold.  A  particular  caution  is  also  neces- 
sary about  going  out  too  early  as  often  serious  secondary 
disturbances  are  occasioned  by  a  want  of  proper  prudence. 

MEASLES. 
Morbilli. 

This  is  generally  an  infectious  epidemic,  occurring, 
more  particularly  among  children,  where  it  is  seldom 
fatal,  unless  badly  treated,  or  it  becomes  complicated 
with  other  difficulties.  In  persons,  more  advanced  in 
years,  it  may  assume  a  severe  and  even  dangerous  charac- 
ter, from  its  power  of  arousing  and  developing  into  full 
and  fatal  action  germs  of  disease  which  may  have  been 
slumbering  in  the  system  for  years. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  progress  of  the  disease  may  be  divided 
into  three  stages.  At  first  the  symptoms  of  an  ordinary 
catarrh  are  perceived,  such  as  slight  inflammation  of  the 
eyes,  sneezing,  discharge  of  water  from  the  nose,  dry, 
short-  cough,  difficult  breathing,  pain  in  the  forehead, 
back,  and  perhaps  diarrhoea,  accompanied  with  fever  of 
a  remittent  character,  gradually  increasing  until  the 
eruption  appears  on  the  skin.  This  is  the  first  orfibrile 
stage. 

The  second  or  eruptive  stage,  commences  on  the  third 
or  fourth  day.  The  eruption  first  appears  on  the  face 
and  arms  in  the  form  of  small,  red  spots,  and  for  three 
or  four  days  gradually  increases  and  extends  over  the 
body.  On  the  fourth  day  the  eruption  grows  paler,  and 


MEASLES.  65 

the  symptoms  abate.  On  the  sixth  or  seventh  day  the 
third  stage,  or  stage  of  desqiiamation,  commences.  If  the 
eruption  is  slight,  the  scaling  may  be  scarcely  perceptible, 
and  all  morbid  phenomena  terminate  in  the  critical 
sweat,  diarrhoea,  or  urine.  During  this  stage,  the  cartarrh 
may  increase  to  pneumonia,  and  perhaps,  in  scrofulous 
subjects,  be  followed  by  consumption. 

A  long  train  of  unpleasant  difficulties  may  follow 
measles,  such  as,  severe  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  swell- 
ing of  the  glands,  consumption  of  the  bowels,  pain  in 
the  ear,  deafness,  and  tormenting  chronic  eruption. 

TREATMENT. — The  two  great  remedies  in  the  treatment 
of  this  disease  are  Aconite  and  Pulsatilla.  Very  often 
a  few  doses  of  either  one  or  both  of  these  remedies  will 
be  all  the  patient  requires.  One  drop,  or  six  globules, 
may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  table- 
spoonful  taken  in  alternation  every  two,  three,  or  four 
hours.  The  febrile  symptoms,  inflammation  of  the  eyes, 
giddiness  and  confusion  of  the  head,  strongly  indicate 
Aconite,  while  Pulsatilla  is  particularly  useful,  where 
gastric  symptoms  are  present,  when  the  cough  is  worse 
toward  evening  or  in  the  night,  is  accompanied  by  yellow- 
ish or  whitish  expectoration,  sometimes  followed  by 
vomiting,  or  there  is  a  yellowish  or  greenish  nasal  dis- 
charge, and  is  almost  a  specific,  where  the  eruption 
delays  in  making  its  appearance.  When  given  alone,  it 
may  be  taken  every  three  hours. 

Should  there  be  great  restlessness,  an  occasional  dose 
of  Coffea  may  be  given.  Should  the  eruption  strike  in,  or 
sickness  at  the  stomach  and  oppression  of  the  chest  be 
present,  a  few  doses  of  Ipecac,  alone,  or  in  alternation 
with  Bryonia,  prepared  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
Aconite,  given  one  or  two  hours  apart,  will  produce  relief. 
JBryonia — Will  also  be  found  of  great  value,  when 
the  cough  is  dry  and  attended  with  shooting  pain  in  the 
chest,  difficult  breathing,  &c.,  when  it  may  be  alternated 


66  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

with  Aconite  &a  directed  for  Aconite  and  Pulsatilla. 
Rheumatic  pains  in  the  limbs,  and  constipation  also  in- 
dicate this  remedy. 

DOSE. — Of  the  above  remedies  put  one  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a 
glass  half  full  of  water,  and  take  a  teaspoonful  at  a  dose. 

belladonna — Will  prove  beneficial,  where  there  is 
severe  pain  in  the  head,  sore  throat,  dry  cough,  twitching 
of  the  limbs,  and  great  restlessness. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water  a  table- 
spoonful  every  two  hours.  If  much  fever  is  present,  it  may  be  given 
in  alternation  with  Aconite,  two  or  three  hours  apart. 

Should  the  eruption  be  slight,  and  severe  inflammation 
of  the  eyes  be  developed,  or  violent  pain  in  the  ear,  with 
purulent  discharge  be  present,  Sulphur,  in  alternation 
with  Pulsatilla  given  at  intervals  of  two,  three,  or  four 
hours,  will  generally  produce  speedy  relief. 

Hepar  is  of  benefit  in  the  hoarse  cough  which  some- 
times follows  measles.  A  powder  or  three  globules  may 
be  given  every  three  hours. 

DISEASES  OCCASIONED  BY  MEASLES. — Typhoid  symptoms 
not  unfrequently  set  in  after  measles,  in  which  case,  if 
there  are  dry,  dark  tongue  and  lips,  burning  heat,  vomit- 
ing, or  diarrhoea,  Arsenic,  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  in 
a  tumbler  of  water,  may  be  given,  a  teaspoonful  at  a 
dose,  once  in  two  or  three  hours.  If  there  should  be 
loss  of  consciousness,  watery  diarrhoea,  great  weakness, 
cough,  inclination  to  vomit,  Phosphorus  may  be  given  in 
the  same  manner. 

Severe  pain  in  the  ear  will  generally  be  relieved  by  a 
few  doses  of  Pulsatilla,  given  as  heretofore  directed,  at 
intervals  of  one  or  two  hours,  and  if  much  purulent  dis- 
charge be  present,  it  may  be  followed  by  four  or  five 
doses  of  Sulphur,  one  every  four  hours,  and  this,  if 
necessary,  by  three  or  four  doses  of  Carb.-v.  at  the  same 
intervals.  Croupy  symptoms  will  be  relieved  by  He  par- 
sulph.  or  Spongia,  and  the  remaining  cough  by  Puts., 


ERYSIPELAS.  67 


Sulph.,  Dros.,  fly  OS.,  Bry.,  PJios.  Should  tlie  measles  be 
followed  by  disturbance  about  the  head,  irritation  of  the 
eyes,  with  intolerance  of  light,  Belladonna  or  Strammo- 
nium,  as  directed  heretofore,  may  be  given  at  intervals 
of  three  or  four  hours. 

/Swelling  of  the  glands  below  the  ear  (Mumps),  will  be 
relieved  by  Jthus.  and  Arnica,  prepared  in  the  same 
manner  as  Aconite,  and  alternated  every  three  or  four 
hours. 

Constipation  should  create  no  alarm,  as  it  generally 
passes  off  in  a  short  time  without  medicine.  Should  a 
mucous  diarrhoea  set  in,  Puls.,  Merc.,  Chin.,  or  Sulph. 
will  speedily  remove  it.  (See  Materia  Medica.) 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Same  as  in  Scarlet  Fever.  The 
same  care  also  should  be  taken  to  prevent  unpleasant 
consequences  from  cold.  During  convalescence  the 
patient  should  use  the  eyes  but  little,  for  fear  of  in- 
flammation. 

During  the  prevalence  of  measles,  Aconite  and  Pulsa- 
tilla  may  be  taken  in  alternation,  three  globules  at  a 
dose,  two  days  apart. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

St.  Anthony's  Fire.    Rose. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Previous  to  the  attack,  gastric  symptoms 
may  be  present,  as  well  as  a  general  sensation  of  languor 
and  dullness.  The  actual  attack  very  frequently  com- 
mences with  distinct  shivering.  The  erysipelatous  red- 
ness suddenly  makes  its  appearance  on  different  parts  of 
the  body,  accompanied  with  swelling,  heat  and  tingling. 
In  severe  cases,  the  parts  become  very  much  swollen, 
the  skin  presenting  a  deep  red,  shining  appearance,  the 
patient  suffering  intensely  from  a  burning  heat,  tingling, 
and  a  painful  sensation  of  tension. 

The  redness  and  swelling  gradually,  and  sometimes 


68  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

very  rapidly  extends,  and  when  it  appears  on  the  face, 
as  is  most  frequently  the  case,  unless  checked  in  its  pro- 
gress, covers  the  entire  head.  In  these  cases  delirium 
is  frequently  present  Sometimes  the  inflamed  surface 
becomes  covered  with  vesicles  or  blisters,  resembling 
those  occasioned  by  a  scald.  In  these  severe  cases, 
which  are  often  attended  with  much  danger,  particularly 
when  it  attacks  the  head,  there  is  a  high  fever,  thirst, 
pain  throughout  the  body,  gastric  derangement,  some- 
times vomiting,  severe  headache,  sleeplessness,  great 
nervous  excitability,  and  a  sensitiveness  to  the  slightest 
noise.  The  erysipelatous  inflammation  often  wanders, 
changing  from  one  ear  to  the  other,  or  from  on  side  of 
the  face  to  the  other,  or  perhaps  confining  itself  to  the 
nose  and  eyes.  Perhaps  there  is  no  disease  which  pro- 
duces such  a  complete  change,  for  the  time  being,  in  the 
appearance  of  the  face  as  erysipelas.  Those  who  pride 
themselves  on  their  beauty,  would  shudder  could  they  see 
in  the  closed  lids,  the  swollen  cheeks,  the  inflamed  nose, 
the  fearful  change  which  a  few  hours  has  wrought  in 
their  appearance. 

CAUSES. — It  may 'be  occasioned  by  gastric  derangement, 
or,  as  is  most  frequently  the  case,  by  sudden  suppression 
of  perspiration.  It  is  also  very  frequently  found  in  fe- 
males during  menstruation.  It  may  also  be  produced  by 
certain  kinds  of  food  at  particular  seasons  of  the  year, 
as  the  different  varieties  of  shell-fish,  and  also  from  the 
abuse  of  spirituous  liquors.  We  also  see  it  developed 
in  mechanical  injuries,  and  not  unfrequently  setting  in 
after  the  operation  of  the  surgeon,  with  such  violence 
as  speedily  to  destroy  life.  It  sometims  seems  to  pre- 
vail as  an  epidemic  to  such  an  extent,  that  the  surgeon 
hesitates  to  perform  even  the  most  necessary  operations. 
The  physician,  at  these  times,  is  often  exceedingly  an- 
noyed at  finding  it  set  in  with  great  severity  in  the  arm 
of  the  child  after  vaccination. 


ERYSIPELAS.  69 


TREATMENT. — The  prominent  remedies  are,  Aconite, 
Belladonna,  and  Rhus,  also  Pulsatilla,  Bryonia,  Ar- 
senic, Lachesis,  Sulphur. 

Aconite  is  indicated  by  the  presence  of  considerable 
fever,  with  dry,  hot  skin. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  two  hours. 

Belladonna  will  be  indicated  if  the  redness  expands 
in  rays,  and  severe  shooting  pains  with  great  heat  are 
felt,  aggravated  by  movement ;  particularly  if  the  in- 
flammation is  in  the  face,  and  is  accompanied  with  se- 
vere swelling,  burning  heat,  violent  headache,  delirium, 
restlessness,  thirst,  dry  and  hot  skin.  It  is  frequently 
alternated,  with  great  benefit,  with  Aconite  or  Rhus. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  once  in  two  hours. 

Rhus  is  particularly  indicated,  when  vesicles  or  blis- 
ters are  perceived,  or  where  there  is  great  swelling,  a 
tendency  to  spread  or  extend  to  the  brain,  and  where 
there  is  great  restlessness  and  delirium.  This  remedy 
is  frequently  given  in  alternation  with  Belladonna  or 
Aconite.  The  combination  of  symptoms  mentioned 
under  those  remedies  will  be  a  sufficient  guide. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water  and  a 
tablespoonful  given  every  one,  two,  or  three  hours,  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms. 

In  severe  cases,  particularly  if  there  is  a  dryness  or 
pain  in  the  throat,  or  the  swelling  or  vesicles  show  a 
suppurating  tendency,  a  powder,  or  three  globules  of 
Lachesis  may  be  given  at  intervals  of  three  hours,  until 
four  or  five  doses  have  been  taken,  after  which  the  Bel- 
ladonna and  Rhus  may  be  again  administered.  If  at 
night  there  should  be  great  restlessness,  and  no  disposi- 
tion to  sleep,  two  or  three  doses  of  Coffea  may  be  alter- 
nated with  Belladonna,  one  hour  apart. 

A  constant  desire  to  sleep  will  be  controlled  by  one 
or  two  doses  of  Opium,  prepared  the  same  as  Rhus. 


70  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

PulsatiUa  may  be  given,  where  the  disease  affects  the 
ear,  where  the  skin  is  of  bluish  red,  or  the  spots  wander 
from  one  place  to  another,  and  also  in  those  cases,  which 
arise  from  injurious  articles  of  food. 

DUSK. — Dissolve  two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water.  Give  a  teaspoonful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

jBryonia,  will  be  found  useful  where  the  inflamma- 
tion occurs  about  the  joints. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Ithus,  Sulphur,  Arsenic  and  Lachesis  are  important 
remedies,  where  the  disease  has  terminated  in  ulceration ; 
the  two  former  or  the  two  latter  in  alternation,  twelve 
hours  apart. 

Arsenic  is  also  indicated,  where  the  disease  affects  the 
scrotum,  or  where  the  vesicles  are  of  a  blackish  cha- 
racter, and  show  a  tendency  to  pass  into  gangrene,  where 
there  is  great  prostration  of  strength  or  black  diarrhoea 
sets  in.  It  may  be  alternated  with  Carl.-v.  or  Laches'ls, 
a  powder,  or  three  globules  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Where  the  disease  assumes  a  chronic  form,  Graphites^ 
Sulphur  or  Nit.-ac.  may  be  consulted. 

DIET  and  KEGIMEN. — The  diet  should  be  of  a  simple 
character,  similar  to  that  in  fevers.  Great  pains  also 
should  be  taken  to  prevent  cold  during  convalescence, 
as  it  often  occasions  troublesome  dropsies. 

CHICKEN-POX. 

Varicella. 

This  is  a  disease,  confined  almost  entirely  to  child- 
hood, running  its  course  rapidly,  and  is  attended  with 
but  little,  if  any  danger.  It  is  somewhat  similar  to 
Small-Pox,  but  is  distinguished  from  it  by  its  mild  cha- 
racter, and  rapid  course.  In  Small-Pox  the  face  never 
escapes,  while  in  Chicken-Pox  it  is  but  slightly  affected, 
the  eruption  appearing  more  on  the  scalp,  shoulders, 
neck,  and  breast.  The  fever,  before  the  eruption,  is  also 


CHICKEN-POX.  71 


of  short  duration,  seldom  lasting  more  than  twenty-four 
hours,  and  notwithstanding  there  may  he  headache,  the 
swimming  in  the  head  and  back-ache,  which  are  charac- 
teristic symptoms  in  Small-Pox,  do  not  appear. 

The  eruption  is  composed  from  the  first,  of  transparent 
vescicles  or  blisters,  having  but  one  cavity,  the  liquid 
seldom  becoming  turbid,  but  shrivels  upon  a  spongy 
crust,  while  in  Small-Pox  the  pustule  has  a  dent  on  the 
top  of  it,  contains  cells  like  an  orange,  and  in  the  com- 
mencement, presents  the  appearance  of  a  little  point 
like  the  head  of  a  pin. 

TREATMENT. — Often  no  medical  treatment  is  required, 
but  if  considerable  fever  is  present,  Aconite  may  be 
given  every  two  hours.  Should  there  be  great  heat  and 
pain  in  the  head,  Belladonna  may  be  given  in  alterna- 
tion with  the  Aconite,  two  hours  apart,  until  better. 

Great  nervous  excitement,  restlessness,  anxious  and 
disturbed  sleep  with  dreams  and  moaning,  will  be  reliev- 
ed by  three  or  four  doses  of  Coffta^  given  at  intervals  of 
two  or  three  hours.  Should  there  be  spasms,  as  is  often 
the  case  during  dentition,  Belladonna  and  Ignatia  may 
be  given  in  alternation,  one  hour  apart,  until  two  doses 
of  each  have  been  taken.  (See  also  convulsions.)  The 
tenesmus,  which  is  sometimes  present,  will  be  relieved 
by  a  few  doses  of  Mercurius,  given  at  intervals  of  two 
or  three  hours.  The  stranguary  will  be  relieved  by 
Cantharides.  The  disease  in  its  mild  form  may  be  very 
much  shortened  by  Pulsatilla,  administered  three  or  four 
times  a  day. 

DOSE. — A  powder  may  be  taken  dry  on  the  tongue,  or  if  tinctures 
or  globules  are  used,  two  drops  of  the  former,  or  six  of  the  latter, 
may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  given 
at  a  dose. 


72  CUTANOUS    DISEASFS. 

SMALL-POX 
Variola. 

This  loathsome  and  highly  dangerous  disease  has 
ever  been  looked  upon  with  the  utmost  horror.  The  ear- 
liest accounts  we  have  of  it,  we  find  it  making  its  ap- 
pearance in  Egypt  and  Arabia,  about  the  middle  of  the 
sixth  century.  From  these  nations  it  gradually  spread 
throughout  the  old  world,  in  the  thronged  cities  and 
villages,  numbering  its  victims  by  thousands,  and  every 
where  reaping  a  rich  harvest.  Wherever  it  appeared,  the 
air  seemed  to  bear  on  its  wings  its  poisonous  breath,  and 
whole  neighborhoods  were  desolated. 

In  1517,  twenty-five  years  after  the  discovery  of  this 
western  world  by  Columbus,  it  was  introduced  on  this 
continent.  So  fatal  did  it  prove,  that  in  a  very  short  time 
after  in  reached  Mexico,  three  millions  and  a  half  of 
people  were  destroyed  in  that  nation  alone.  One  of  the 
most  sad  and  melancholy  scenes  in  its  fearful,  desolating 
march  was  the  death  of  the  emperor,  the  brother  and 
successor  of  the  brave  but  unfortunate  Montezuma. 

After  a  time  it  was  found,  that  where  the  disease  was 
communicated  by  inoculation,  it  was  far  less  violent  in 
its  character,  being  attended  with  but  little  danger.  Many 
persons  in  every  community  were  therefore  inoculated, 
so  that  instead  of  the  disease  decreasing,  hundreds,  even 
in  country  places,  exposed  to  the  contagion  and  not 
having  guarded  against  it  by  inoculation,  took  it  in  its 
most  violent  form.  In  England  the  deaths  by  Small-Pox 
amounted  to  about  45,000  annually. 

At  length  in  1798,  Dr.  Jenner,  an  English  physician, 
announced  to  the  world  a  discovery,  which  has  been  the 
means  of  saving  thousands  of  lives,  and  has  checked  in 
a  great  measure  the  ravages,  of  what  was  then  consider- 
ed, one  of  the  most  loathsome  scourges  which  had  ever 
desolated  the  earth.  That  discovery  was,  that  Cow-Pox 


SMALL-POX.  73 

is  almost  a  sure  preventive  to  the  Small-Pox.  This  doc- 
trine at  first  was  received  with  ridicule,  contempt  and 
the  most  violent  opposition ;  but  what  are  ridicule  and 
opposition  to  the  stubborn  array  of  facts,  and  the  ultimate 
triumph  of  truth  ?  But  few  years  elapsed  before  the 
doctrines  of  Jenner,  became  universally  popular,  and 
vaccination  for  Cow-Pox  was  introduced  into  almost 
every  nation.  Careful  observation  has  shown,  however, 
that  it  is  well  to  renew  the  vaccination  every  ten  or  fif- 
teen years.  With  this  precaution,  there  is  but  little 
danger  of  exposure  to  the  Small-Pox. 

DIAGNOSIS. — This  disease  has  four  distinct  stages,  each 
of  which  generally  requires  different  remedies. 

1.  The  febrile  stage. — This  stage  usually  commences 
from  eight  to  fourteen  days  after  exposure  to  the  con- 
tagion, and  continues  from  two  to  four  days.     It  sets  in 
with  shivering  followed  by  fever,  heat,  and  dryness  of 
the  skin,  hard  and  frequent  pulse,  pain  in  the  stomach 
and  back,  nausea  and  vomiting,  aching  in  the  bones,  and 
bruised  sensation  of  the  flesh,  swimming  and  severe  pain 
in  the  head,  and  sometimes  wild  delirium  and  convul- 
sions.    Cough  and  sensitiveness  of  the  eyes  to  light  are 
also  usually  present.     Vomiting  and  pain  in  the  back  are 
characteristic  symptoms  of  Small-Pox,  and  when  these 
are  very  severe,  the  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back  ex- 
ceedingly acute,  and  the  vomiting  extends  into  the  erup- 
tive stage,  a  severe  attack  may  be  apprehended. 

2.  The  eruptive  stage. — From  the  second  to  the  fourth 
day  the  eruption  makes  its  appearance  in  the  face,  in 
the  form  of  small  red  points,  increasing  in  extent  and 
elevation    from  hour  to  hour,  and  distinguished  from 
other  eruptions  by  a  small  pimple  about  the  size  of  a 
millet  seed  in  each  point.     On  the  second  day  it  appears 
on  the  hands,  and  on  the  third  on  the  feet  and  the  rest 
of  the  body. 

3.  The  suppurative  stage. — In  this  stage  the  pustule 


74:  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

completes  its  development,  becomes  as  large  as  a  split 
pea,  and  is  filled  with  a  yellowish  fluid,  which  gradnally 
changes  its  color,  until  it  assumes  a  turbid  appearance. 
It  is  surrounded  by  a  red  circle,  and  has  on  the  top  a 
blackish  depression  or  dent.  As  the  pustules  first  appear 
on  the  face,  and  lastly  on  the  extremities,  they  may  have 
reached  maturity  in  one  part  of  the  body,  while  they  are 
still  filling  in  another.  During  this  stage,  which  lasts 
three  or  four  days,  fever,  more  or  less  swelling,  and  saliva- 
tion are  present. 

4.  The,  stage  of  Desiccation. — The  pustules  present 
on  the  top  a  brown  appearance,  and  some  of  them  burst, 
forming  scabs.  The  fever  and  swelling  gradually  sub- 
side, the  scales  peel  ofi^  leaving  at  first  a  deep  red  stain. 
All  danger  is  over,  when  the  process  of  desiccation  has 
ceased  in  the  face. 

The  more  violent,  or  confluent  form  of  the  disease, 
where  the  pustules  are  so  numerous  as  to  run  into  each 
other,  forming  an  immence  scab,  is  longer  in  duration, 
and  attended  with  more  violent  symptoms  and  danger. 

TREATMENT. — During  the  sixteenth  century  and  even 
later,  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease  the  great  object 
was  to  expel  the  humor  by  means  of  perspiration.  To 
accomplish  this,  the  patient  was  confined  in  a  hot  room, 
dosed  with  hot  drinks,  and  warmly  covered  in  bed ;  not- 
withstanding under  this  treatment  a  majority  of  the  pa- 
tients died,  when  Sydenham  introduced,  what  is  now 
called  the  cooling  regimen,  throwing  away  the  hot  drinks, 
using  light  covering,  keeping  the  patient  cool,  and  hav- 
ing the  room  freely  ventilated,  he  was  attacked  on  all 
sides  by  the  learning  and  bigotry  of  the  age,  but  without 
avail,  for  reason  and  common-sense  in  the  end  are  sure 
to  triumph. 

Febrile  Stage.— Aconite  may  be  given  every  two  or 
three  hours ;  in  alternation  with  Belladonna,  if  there  is 
severe  pain  in  the  head,  intolerance  of  light  or  delirium. 


SMALL-POX.  75 


Should  there  be  considerable  stupor,  two  or  three  doses 
of  Opium  given  at  intervals  of  hours  will  produce  re- 
lief. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules  in  a  tumbler  full  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 

Bryonia  and  RTius  may  be  alternated  two  or  three 
hours  apart,  if  after  four  or  five  doses  of  the  Aconite 
have  been  taken,  there  should  be  aching  and  bruised 
sensation  in  the  bones  and  flesh,  and  severe  pain  in  the 
back.  Sometimes,  where  the  fever  is  high,  and  the 
above  symptoms  exist,  either  Bry.  or  Khus  may  be  al- 
ternated with  Aconite. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  and  continue  until  the  eruption  is  fairly 
developed. 

Stibium  should  be  given,  if  nausea  or  vomiting  is 
present. 

DOSE. — A  powder  every  hour  until  the  nausea  is  relieved,  or  until 
three  or  four  doses  have  been  taken.  If  there  is  great  restlessness 
and  inability  to  sleep,  a  few  doses  of  Coffea  may  be  required,  given 
at  intervals  of  an  hour,  and  prepared  in  the  same  manner  as  Aconite. 

2.  The  Eruptive  Stage. — During  this  stage  I  have 
found  the  most  benefit  from  Strammonium,  two  or  three 
drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every  two, 
three,  or  four  hours,  according  to  the  severity  of  the 
symptoms.    It  is  particularly  useful  where  the  eruption 
is  slow  in  its  appearance  and  progress. 

Should  there  be  cough  and  indication  of  considerable 
trouble  about  the  lungs,  Stibium  may  be  alternated  with 
the  Strammonium  two  hours  apart. 

Sometimes,  where  the  pustules  are  filling  well,  and 
the  disease  is  progressing  rapidly,  the  Strammonium 
may  be  omitted,  and  Stibium  and  Thuja,  (the  latter  pre- 
pared as  directed  foi  Aconite),  given  in  alternation,  three 
hours  apart. 

3.  Suppurative  Stage. — If  there  should  be  but  little 
fever,  a  simple  regimen  alone  will  be  required.    If,  how- 
ever, an  ulcerative  fever  is  present,  attended  with  abun- 


76  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

dant  salivation,  affection  of  the  eyes,  nose,  and  throat, 
Mcrcurius  will  be  required. 

DOSK — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  three  hours. 

If  the  Pox  become  black,  and  typhoid  symptoms  set 
in,  Muriatic  acid  may  be  given  every  two  hours,  or  if 
considerable  stupor  is  present,  it  may  be  alternated  with 
Ojrium,  two  hours  apart 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  at 
a  dose. 

Rhus  or  Arsenic  will  be  indicated,  when  the  skin 
around  the  pustules  is  of  a  livid  color,  and  burning  thirst 
and  great  exhaustion  are  present.  If  diarrhoea  should 
set  in,  China  will  be  required. 

DOSK. — Rhus  and  China,  same  as  Aconite.  Arsenic,  same  as  Mer- 
cunus. 

4.  Stage  of  Desiccation. — Simple  ablution  with  tepid 
water  will  generally  be  all  that  is  required.  A  powder, 
or  three  globules  of  Sulphur,  given  morning  and  even- 
ing for  three  or  four  days,  will  frequently  be  serviceable. 
If  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  other  diseases  set  in,  see 
diseases  under  their  separate  heads. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  room  should  be  thoroughly 
ventilated,  and  kept  at  a  moderate  temperature.  The 
patient  should  be  placed  on  a  mattress  or  straw-bed,  be 
lightly  covered  and  the  room  considerably  darkened. 
The  diet  should  be  cooling,  such  as,  water,  lemonade, 
oranges,  roasted  apples,  stewed  prunes,  strawberries, 
gruels,  toast,  &c.,  avoiding  the  lemonade  and  fruit,  if 
diarrhoea  should  be  present  Animal  food  should  not  be 
used  in  any  form  until  the  disease  is  pretty  thoroughly 
over. 

VARIOLOID. 

By  this  term  is  generally  understood  a  modified  form 
of  Variola  or  Small-Pox,  occurring  sometimes  even  after 
Cow-Pox.  The  pustules  are  few  in  number  and  the 
treatment,  if  any  is  required,  is  similar  to  Small-Pox. 


ITCH.  77 

2.  GENERAL  CUTANEOUS  DISEASES. 
Under  this  head  might  be  arranged  a  large  variety  of 
cutaneous  difficulties,  more  or  less  troublesome.  The 
limits  of  a  work  like  this,  however,  preclude  the  possi- 
bility of  detailing  the  treatment  of  all  these  various 
classes,  and  indeed  it  would  be  in  a  measure  unprofitable 
to  the  general  reader.  We  shall  therefore  only  speak  of 
those  less  complicated  difficulties,  most  frequently  met 
with  in  family  practice. 

ITCH. 

Scabies. 

King  George  4th  once  remarked,  in  the  peculiarly 
chaste  and  elegant  language  which  characterized  that 
monarch,  "  that  none  but  kings  ought  to  have  the  itch, 
it  was  such  a  luxury  to  scratch."  A  wish  with  which 
the  community  in  general  would  very  gladly  concur. 

DIAGNOSIS. — It  appears,  in  the  form  of  small  vesicles, 
filled  with  a  clear  fluid,  and  surrounded  by  a  red  border, 
between  the  fingers,  on  the  wrists,  and  in  the  bend  of 
the  joints.  Sometimes,  if  the  disease  continues  some 
length  of  time,  it  extends  over  the  body,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  face,  which  is  entirely  free.  The  itching 
is  aggravated  in  the  evening  by  the  warmth  of  the  bed, 
or  on  coming  from  cold  into  warm  air.  As  the  vesicles 
become  broken  up  by  scratching,  they  may  form  thick 
scurfs. 

CAUSE. — The  disease,  the  cause  of  which  is  a  small 
animalcule  burrowing  in  the  skin,  is  generally  commu- 
nicated by  contact,  either  from  individuals,  or  handling 
filthy  articles,  such  as,  dirty  wool,  cloth,  &c. 

TREATMENT. — First,  ascertain  that  the  disease  is  really 
the  itch.  Second,  remember  that  if  suppressed  or  not 
thoroughly  cured,  it  may  lead  to  chronic  difficulties  of 
an  exceedingly  troublesome  or  painful  character,  and 
that  salves  and  greasy  ointments  are  not  the  best  to 


78  CUTANEOUS  DISEASES. 


thoroughly  eradicate  the  affection,  but  may  often  drive 
it  in,  and  should  therefore  as  a  general  thing  be  avoided. 

Sulphur. — This  is  the  most  important  remedy,  and 
will  often  be  alone  sufficient  to  produce  a  cure.  A 
powder  of  the  first,  or  one  drop  of  the  tincture,  may  be 
taken  morning  and  night  for  a  week,  when  it  will  be 
well  to  discontinue  the  remedy,  and  give  a  sulphur-bath* 
at  intervals  of  two  or  three  days,  until  three  or  four 
have  been  taken,  when,  if  necessary,  the  Sulph.  may  be 
recommenced,  given  in  alternation  with  Mercurius.  In 
connection  with  the  internal  use  of  Sulphur,  five  or  ten 
drops  of  the  tincture,  may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler  half 
full  of  water,  and  the  worst  parts  bathed  with  it,  morn- 
ing and  night. 

Carb.-v.  or  Hepar-s.  may  be  required,  if,  after  one  week 
the  Sulphur  and  Mercury  should  not  be  followed  by 
decided  relief. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules,  night  and  morning. 

In  the  humid  variety,  characterized  by  yellow  pustules, 
which"  are  met  with  not  only  on  the  hands  and  feet,  but 
about  the  body,  Sulphur  and  Lycopodium  may  be  al- 
ternated, one  in  the  morning,  and  the  other  at  night  for 
one  week,  when,  if  not  materially  better,  Mcrcurius  may 
be  substituted  for  Lycopodium,  and  the  remedies  given 
as  before. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Carb.-v. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  mentioned,  Causticum 
or  Graphites  will  sometimes  be  required. 

ITCHING  OR  IRRITATION  OF  THE  SKIN. 
Prurigo. 

This  consists  of  a  fine  colorless,  almost  imperceptible 
eruption  under  the  cuticle,  itching  excessively,  particu- 
larly when  warm  in  bed.  It  may  be  occasioned  by  the 

*  See  Sulphur-bath  in  the  Index. 


ITCHING  OR  IRRITATION  OF  THE  SKIN.  79 

abuse  of  fatty  food,  extremes'  of  heat  and  cold,  and  also 
be  developed  in  connection  with  other  diseases,  when  it 
must  be  treated  accordingly. 

TREATMENT. — Bathing  the  parts  with  Alcohol,  diluted 
one-half,  will  often  produce  decided  relief. 

Svlphw  may  be  given,  if  the  itching  is  severe  or  worse 
in  the  evening,  or  in  bed. 

DOSE  — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Ignatia,  where  the  eruption  resembles  flea-bites,  and 
is  relieved  by  scratching. 

DOSE.— Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning,  noon,  and  night. 

PulsatUla-,  when  it  comes  on  in  bed,  and  is  aggravat- 
ed by  scratching. 
DOSE — Same  as  Ignatia. 

Mercurius,  where  Pulsatilla  seems  to  be  indicated, 
and  yet  does  not  produce  relief,  and  also  where  the  parts 
bleed  easily  after  scratching. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sulphur. 

RJius,  where  the  itching  is  attended  by  a  burning  sen- 
sation. If  after  three  or  four  doses  no  relief  is  obtained, 
it  may  be  followed  by  Hepar-s.  If  the  itching  appear 
on  undressing  Nux  may  be  alternated  with  Arsenic,  one 
in  the  morning,  the  other  at  night. 

DOSE. — Rhus,  same  as  Ignatia.  Hepar-s.,  Nux,  Arsenic,  same  as 
Sulphur. 

In  obstinate  cases  Sulphur  in  alternation  with  Carb.-v., 
or  Lycopodium,  Graphites,  Silicea  may  be  indicated.  In 
old  persons  Opium  will  be  serviceable,  a  dose  every 
night. 

If  the  eruption  shows  itself  around  the  anus  or  pri- 
vate parts,  Sulph.,  Nit.-ac.,  Sep.,  Calc.,  Dulc.,  or  Thuj. 
may  be  required.  See  Materia  Medica. 


80  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

SCALD-HEAD. 
Tinea  Capitis.    Favua. 

This  disease,  frequently  called  "Ringworm  of  the 
Scalp"  occurring  principally  among  children,  is  highly 
contagious  and  excessively  obstinate.  It  is  often  com- 
municated, by  means  of  the  comb  and  brush,  or  the 
towel.  Pustular  ringworm  is  not  alone  confined  to  the 
scalp,  but  frequently  appears  on  other  parts  of  the  body. 

There  are  several  varieties,  but  a  general  description 
will  only  be  necessary  here.  The  affected  parts  become 
red,  hot,  painful,  and  elevated,  accompanied  with  swell- 
ing of  .the  glands  of  the  neck  and  head.  After  a  few 
days,  small  round  pustules  start  up,  gradually  filling 
with  a  yellowish  white,  thick  fluid,  smelling  badly  on 
being  discharged.  As  the  pustules  break,  the  hairs  be- 
come glued  together,  and  in  a  short  time,  scaly,  thick 
and  hard  crusts  are  formed.  Frequently  the  roots  of 
the  hair  are  entirely  destroyed.  Violent  external  treat- 
ment-may, by  driving  the  disease  in,  occasion  serious 
disorders,  which  not  unfrequently  terminate  in  death. 

CAUSES. — Want  of  cleanliness,  keeping  the  head  too 
warm,  scrofulous  disposition,  coarse  and  indigestible 
food,  close-  and  filthy  dwellings,  and  contagion,  are 
among  the  numerous  causes. 

TREATMENT. — Avoid  of  course,  as  much  as  possible  the 
causes  which  produce  the  disease. 

Rhus  is  the  prominent  remedy  during  the  inflamma- 
tory stage,  especially  where  there  is  secretion  of  greenish 
pus  and  nightly  itching. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning  and  night.  At  the  same  time  apply  the  solution 
externally. 

Sulphur  may  be  given,  should  dry  scabs  be  formed. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 
Should  the  pus  assume  a  corrosive  character,  thus 
causing  new  ulcers,  and  therefore  an  extension  of  the 


MILK  CRUST;  81 


disorder,  Arsenic  may  be  given  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  Sulphur,  again  returning  to  JRhw,  after  five  or  six 
doses-  have  been  taken. 

The  lighter  form  of  the  eruption  may  be  controlled  by 
Hepar-s.  especially  when  it  is  not  confined  to  the  head, 
but  is  found  on  the  neck  and  face,  also  when  it  is  ac- 
companied by  affection  of  the  eyes. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sulphur. 

Staphysagria,  will  be  very  beneficial,  where  the  dis- 
ease is  of  a  humid,  fetid  character,  with  itching,  and 
swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Rhus. 

Dulcamara,  will  prove  of  benefit  where  the  glands  of 
the  neck  as  well  as  other  parts  of  the  body  are  swollen, 
or  Bryonia,  if  they  are  highly  sensitive. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning  and  night. 

Besides  the  remedies  enumerated  above,  Gale.,  Graph., 
Lye.,  Acid-mur.,  or  Phos.  may  be  indicated.  In  connec- 
tion with  these  internal  remedies,  if  the  eruption  prove 
obstinate,  bathe  the  head  with  Tar-water,  or  apply  a  weak 
preparation  of  Citrino-ointment,  obtained  at  the  druggists. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Strict  attention  should  be  paid 
to  diet  and  cleanliness.  It  would  be  advisable  to  re- 
move the  hair  in  the  commencement  of  the  disease. 

MILK  CRUST. 

Crusta  Lactea. 

This  disease  principally  attacks  infants  between  the 
'seventh  and  eighth  month  after  birth,  and  during  the 
first  period  of  dentition.  Where  the  child  is  naturally 
healthy,  often  no  treatment  is  required,  except  perhaps 
a  change  of  air. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  eruption  consists  of  yellowish  white 
pustules  on  a  red  surface,  breaking  in  three  or  four  days, 
and  forming  whitish  yellow  crusts.  As  the  secretion 
4* 


82  CUTANEOUS  DISEASES. 

continues  these  crusts  become  darker  and  thicker.  The 
eruption  first  appears  on  the  forehead  and  cheek,  and 
gradually  extends  over  the  face,  covering  it  like  a  mask, 
sometimes  also  covering  the  entire  scalp  and  ears. 

The  prominent  remedies  are  Ithus,  Sulph.,  Hep.-s., 
Staph.,  Sep.  and  Ars.  For  their  separate  indications,  as 
well  as  for  external  applications,  see  Tinea  Capitis.  The 
inflammation  of  the  eyes,  which  not  unfrequently  accom- 
panies this  disease,  yield  to  Euphrasia,  Hepar-s.  or  Bel- 
ladonna. See  Materia  Medica. 

CRUSTA  SERPIGNOSA. 

This  may  be  considered  as  a  variety  of  the  Jtck, 
although  it  was  formerly  looked  upon  as  identical  with 
Crusta  Lactea.  Like,  that,  it  is  confined  to  children, 
but  differs  from  it,  in  appearing  first  on  the  ear,  break- 
ing out  in  small  pustules,  filled  with  some  kind  of  fluid, 
and  attended  with  violent  itching,  particularly  at  night, 
while  the  Crusta  Lactea  appears  first  on  the  forehead  in 
irregular  large  pustules,  and  is  attended  with  but  slight 
itching. 

TREATMENT. — This  form  of  eruption  is  much  more  ob- 
stinate than  the  other  variety,  and  should  generally  be 
treated  by  &  skilful  physician.  Sepia,  Cole.,  Sulph., 
Merc.,  Staph.)  Graph.&re  among  the  prominent  remedies. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning  and  night ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on 
the  tongue. 

RINGWORM. 
Herpes  Circennatus. 

In  this  disease  there  is  an  eruption  on  a  slightly  in- 
flamed basis,  in  the  form  of  small  rings  or  circular  bands, 
the  vesicles  occupying  the  circumference.  Within,  the 
skin  at  first  looks  healthy,  but  gradually  becomes  rough 
and  scales  oft',  as  the  eruption  dies  away.  It  generally 
occurs  in  summer  and  in  warm  climates.  It  frequently 


HERPES.  83 

disappears  in  the  course  of  a  week,  or  it  may  last  all 
summer, 

TREATMENT. — A  few  doses  of  Sulphur* given  morning 
and  night,  may  be  sufficient.  If  after  a  week  no  im- 
provement is  perceptible,  Sepia  may  be  given,  followed 
if  necessary,  by  Causticum  in  the  same  manner. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  at  a  dose. 

In  this  form  of  Herpes,  Dr.  Metcalf  has  given  Tellu- 
rium with  the  most  happy  results.  A  powder  may  be 
taken  morning  and  night. 

The  ashes  of  a  cigar  applied  to  the  sore,  or  bathing  it 
with  a  decoction  of  tobacco  will  be  of  benefit. 

HERPES. 
Tetter. 

This  is  a  non-contagious  affection  of  the  skin,  charac- 
terized by  the  eruption  of  clusters  of  globular  vesicles 
on  inflamed  patches,  of  irregular  or  rounded  form  and 
of  small  extent.  After  a  few  days,  the  vesicles  may  sub- 
side or  burst,  forming  a  thin  brownish  scab. 

Of  the  numerous  varieties  of  this  disease  it  will  only 
be  necessary  to  mention  three. 

1.  HERPES  PHYLETENODES. 

2.  HERPES  CIRCENNATUS,  or  Ringworm. 

3.  HERPES  ZOSTER,  or  Shingles. 

1.  Herpes  Phyletenodes.  This  variety  is  characterized 
by  clusters  of  globular  and  transparent  vesicles,  appear- 
ing in  variable  numbers  upon  red  patches  over  different 
parts  of  the  body.  The  appearance  of  the  eruption  is 
generally  attended  with  considerable  itching  and  smart- 
ing. We  not  unfrequently  see  varieties  of  this  group 
appearing  on  the  face,  hands,  body,  extremities,  and  pri- 
vate parts. 

HERPES  ZOSTER,  ZONA,  or  Shingles.  This  variety  usual- 
ly attacks  one  side  of  the  body  in  the  shape  of  a  semi- 


84  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

circular  belt  or  band,  formed  by  several  clusters  of 
agglomerated  vesicles.  It  is  more  commonly  seen  on 
the  abdomen,  where  it  begins  in  some  part  of  a  line, 
extending  down  the  centre  of  the  abdomen,  and  proceeds 
outwardly  around  the  body,  until  it  about  reaches  the 
vertebrae,  thus  forming  a  sort  of  half  girdle.  It  is 
generally  attended  with  considerable  itching,  and  some- 
times with  more  or  less  fever. 

TREATMENT.* — Rhus,  should  there  be  much  restlessness 
and  fever,  may  be  given  morning,  noon,  and  night.  The 
ordinary  forms  of  the  disease  will  generally  be  controlled 
by  Sulphur,  Sepia  or  Caustieum,  given  in  the  same 
manner  as  directed  in  Herpes  circennatus. 

Should  the  eruption  assume  a  dry  character,  Sepia, 
Sulphur,  or  Silicea  may  be  given. 

Where  there  is  a  tendency  to  ulceration,  it  may  be 
controlled  by  Merc.,  Rhiis,  Svlph.  or  Sep.  . 

If  violent  itching  is  present,  Nit.-a  :  or  Graphites  or 
Staphysagria  will  produce  relief,  or  if  warmth  increases 
the  difficulty,  Clematis  may  be  given. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  enumerated,  Dulc.,  Ars., 
Carb.-v»  Phos.,  Mez^  Canth.,  Hep.  may  be  indicated. 
(See  Materia  Medica.) 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  morning  and  night,  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry 
on  the  tongue  at  the  same  intervals. 

ACNE. 

A  peculiar  eruption  consisting  of  hard,  inflamed  tu- 
bercles, is  frequently  seen,  in  persons  of  a  sanguine  tem- 
perament, on  the  forehead,  temples,  face,  and  chin,  and 
sometimes  on  the  neck,  shoulders,  and  upper  parts  of 
the  chest.  They  frequently  suppurate,  but  sometimes 
scale  off  without  perceptible  suppuration,  leaving  a 
purple  spot 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  tho  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


CHILBLAINS.  85 


To  effect  a  cure,  particular  attention  should  be  paid 
to  diet.  Among  the  remedies,  Staphysagria  will  be 
found  useful  for  stinging  itching  pimples,  with  pain  when 
touched,  and  Sulphur  when  the  round  blotches  are  cover- 
ed with  white  yellowish  scurfs. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  other  night.  Another 
variety  of  this  disease  consists  of  a  number  of  black  points,  which 
when  pressed,  discharge  worm-shaped,  indurated  mucus. 

This  variety  also  requires  particular  care,  as  it  regards 
diet.  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  of  Sulphur,  Sepia, 
or  JVit.-acid.  may  be  taken  every  other  day. 

CHILBLAINS. 

JPerniones. 

This  inflammation  generally  appears  on  feet  and 
hands,  which  have  been  frost-bitten.  It  is  attended 
with  more  or  less  burning  and  itching,  and  sometimes 
ulceration  takes  place,  when  the  parts  are  exceedingly 
troublesome  and  painful. 

TREATMENT. — Arnica  Court  Plaster,  covering  the  in- 
flamed surface,  often  produces  prompt  relief,  and  is  par- 
ticularly useful,  where  the  difficulty  is  caused  by  pres- 
sure or  friction  ;  or  five  or  six  drops  of  the  tincture  may 
be  put  in  a  tablespoonful  of  water,  and  the  parts  bathed 
with  the  mixture.  If  the  inflammation  be  superficial 
with  slight  red  swelling,  burning  and  itching  in  the 
warmth,  a  few  doses  of  Nux,  taken  morning  and  night, 
will  produce  relief. 

If  however  the  chilblains  should  be  very  painful,  Nit.- 
ac.  or  Phosphorus  may  be  given  in  the  same  manner. 
Should  the  parts  present  a  blue-red  and  swollen  appear- 
ance, accompanied  with  severe  throbbing  pains,  Pu/sa- 
tilla  will  be  indicated,  morning,  noon,  and  night,  follow- 
ed, if  relief  is  not  obtained  after  five  or  six  doses,  by 
Belladonna,  taken  in  the  same  manner. 


86  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

When  the  chilblains  are  blue-red  and  accompanied 
with  violent  itching,  Kali-carl.,  may  be  given  morning 
and  night,  and  if  the  itching  should  be  more  violent  in 
warmth,  Sulphur  given  in  the  same  manner. 

Should  blisters  form  on  the  inflamed  part  or  ulcera- 
tion  set  in,  Arsenic  or  China  may  be  taken  morning  and 
night.  The  ulceration  may  be  dressed  with  some  mild 
and  soothing  application,  as,  simple  cerate  or  a  poultice. 
In  severe  cases  Petrol.,  Agar  and  Carb.-v.  may  be  con- 
sulted. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler,  a  tablespoonful 
at  a  dose,  or  a  powder  or  three  globules  may  be  given  dry  on  the 
tongue.  In  recent  cases  bathing  the  feet  with  brandy  into  which  has 
been  dropped  a  few  drops  of  melted  tallow,  will  produce  relief. 

EXCORIATION. 
Intertrigo. 

This  is  often  the  result  of  a  want  of  cleanliness, 
although  it  not  unfrequently  originates  from  some  in- 
ternal cause. 

To  produce  a  cure,  often  nothing  more  is  required  than 
a  tepid  bath  every  day.  If,  however,  the  difficulty  still 
continues,  Arnica,  JVux,  Lycopodium,  or  Sulphur  may 
be  given,  a  dose  every  night,  especially  where  it  occurs 
during  summer. 

The  chafing  of  bed-ridden  patients  maybe  bathed  with 
Arnica,  ten  drops  of  which  may  be  dissolved  in  four 
tablespoonfuls  of  water,  and  applied  two  or  three  times 
a  day  with  a  soft  cloth. 

Where  there  is  a  disposition  to  fester,  as  is  often  the 
case  after  the  slightest  injury.  A  dose  of  Hepar-s., 
Silicea,  Lachesis,  or  Sulphur  may  be  given  every  night. 

Chapped  hands,  (Rhagades)  which  so  often  occur  on 
the  hands  of  those  who  work  in  water,  may  be  relieved 
in  such  cases  by  Calcarea,  Hepar-s.,  Sulphur  or  Sepia, 
taken  in  the  manner  indicated  above. 


ULCERS.  87 

When  the  difficulty  manifests  itself  in  the  winter,  a 
few  doses  of  Sulphur  or  Petroleum,  given  in  the  same 
manner  will  produce  relief. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  at  a  dose.  Very  great  relief  is  often  obtained  by  bathing  the 
hands  with  honey-soap,  or  urine. 

WHITLOW. 

Felon.    Panaris. 

We  understand,  by  this  term,  an  abscess,  more  or  less 
deeply  seated,  forming  about  the  end  of  the  finger.  The 
pain,  when  the  disease  is  fairly  developed,  is  agonizing, 
often  depriving  the  patient  of  rest. 

The  difficulty  may  frequently  be  removed,  when  it  is 
first  noticed,  by  dipping  the  finger  in  water  as  warm  as 
can  be  borne.  If  this  should  fail  to  produce  relief,  give 
Mercury  every  four  hours,  applying  at  the  same  time  a 
bread  and  milk,  corn  or  flaxseed  poultice.  If  no  relief 
is  obtained  after  four  or  five  doses,  H&pa/r-s.  and  SiUcea 
may  be  alternated  four  hours  apart.  Should  the  pain 
become  severe  and  there  be  pretty  plain  indications  of 
the  presence  of  matter,  the  abscess  may  be  freely  opened 
with  a  sharp  knife.  The  parts  should  be  frequently 
washed  with  warm  water. 

DOSE.-  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue. 

ULCERS. 

The  presence  of  ulcers  indicate  a  diseased  state  of  the 
system,  being  in  reality  the  outlets  formed  by  nature  to 
carry  off  matter,  which,  unless  removed,  might  produce 
serious  disturbance  of  some  internal  organ.  The  treat- 
ment should  be  directed  to  remove  the  disturbing  cause, 
and  where  this  is  done,  the  ulcer  will  generally  heal  of 
itself. 

1.  Sim/pie  Ulcer. — The  simple,  purulent,  or  healthy 
ulcer,  is  characterized  by  pus  of  thick  consistency  and 


88  CUTANEOUS   DISEASES. 

white  color,  readily  separating  from  the  surface  of  the 
sore.  Healthy  granulations,  small,  florid  and  pointed  at 
the  top,  speedily  follow,  and  the  sore  is  soon  covered  by 
a  new  skin.  But  little  treatment  is  necessary,  excepting 
to  bathe  the  parts  frequently  with  tepid  water  and  cover 
with  soft  linen  lint  to  absorb  the  matter 

2.  Irritable  Ulcer. — The  surrounding  skin  is  jagged, 
terminating  in  a  sharp  edge.     The  ulcer  generally  pre- 
sents quite  a  cavity,  undermining  the  skin  and  discharg- 
ing a  fluid  more  or  less  thin  and  ichorous.     The  slightest 
touch  may  produce  pain  or  cause  the  ulcer  to  bleed. 
The  pain  may  be  either  constant,  slight,  or  severe,  or 
coming  on  in  paroxysms. 

3.  The  gangrenous  or  sloughing  Ulcer  is  generally  only 
a  stage  of  the  irritable  one.    In  this  the  edges  of  the 
sore  have  a  livid  appearance,  with  small  vesicles  on  them. 
The  surface  is  dry,  and  more  or  less  fever  is  present. 

TREATMENT. — The  irritable  ulcer  should  be  bathed 
freely  with  tepid  water.  Dry  soft  linen  lint  may  be 
placed  in  the  cavity,  or  the  ulcer  may  be  covered  with  a 
compress  dipped  in  either  cold  or  warm  water,  as  is  most 
agreeable  to  the  patient. 

If  the  ulcer  presents  a  livid  aspect,  or  bleeds  readily, 
secreting  an  ichorous  fluid,  mixed  with  blood,  and  espe- 
ically  if  there  is  burning  pain,  Arsenic  may  be  given  in 
alternation  with  Carb-v.,  a  dose  of  one  in  the  morning, 
and  the  other  at  night.  Lachesis  may  be  substituted  for 
the  Carlo  in  case  the  surrounding  parts  present  a  mottled 
appearance. 

In  ordinary  cases,  the  external  soothing  treatment  and 
internal  use  of  Sulphur  and  Silicea,  or  Sepia  in  alterna- 
tion, a  dose  of  one  every  night,  will  be  sufficient  to  effect 
a  cure. 

4.  Indolent  ulcer. — The  irritable  ulcer  frequently  runs 
into  this  variety,  or  may,  in  some  degree  be  complicated 
with  it    Fomentations,  such  as  bread  and  milk  poultice, 


BOILS.       CARBUNCLES.  89 

applied  for  two  or  three  days,  will  often  so  stimulate  the 
ulcer  as  to  cause  it  to  put  on  a  healthy  appearance. 
Sulphur  and  S'dicea  may  be  alternated  in  the  same 
manner  as  indicated  above,  for  one  week,  when,  if  im- 
provement is  not  perceptible,  Calcarea  and  Sepia  may 
be  substituted.  Should  an  ulcer  proceed  from  a  diseased 
state  of  the  bone,  Mercury  and  Sulphur  may  be  given  in 
the  same  manner,  followed  if  necessary  by  Calcarea  and 
Lycopodium. 

A  very  obstinate  ulcer  not  unfrequently  forms  on  the 
lower  limbs,  occasioned  by  swelling  of  the  veins.  This 
is  called  a  varicose  ulcer.  Sulphur  is  here  a  prominent 
remedy,  given  as  above,  we  Lycopodium  wcALachesis  may 
be  alternated. 

The  limb  should  also  be  tightly  bandaged  from  below 
upward. 

Syphilitic  ulcers,  cancerous  difficulties,  &c.  will  be 
treated  in  their  appropriate  place. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  taken  as  directed  above. 

BOILS.    CARBUNCLES 

Boils  are  characterized  by  a  hard  elevation  of  a  round 
or  cone-like  form,  having  an  inflamed  appearance,  at- 
tended with  pain  more  or  less  severe.  They  are  slow  in 
suppurating  and  discharge,  on  breaking,  pus  mixed  with 
blood,  and  after  a  little  while  a  core. 

There  is  sometimes  a  constitutional  tendency  to  this 
difficulty,  but  very  frequently  they  appear  as  critical  dis- 
charges, particularly  after  fevers  and  eruptive  diseases, 
and  not  unfrequently  form  the  termination  of  chronic 
eruption,  such  as,  itch,  &c.  Derangement  of  the  system 
from  abuse  of  food  and  torpidity  of  the  circulation  often 
causes  them. 

TREATMENT. — The  external  application  of  a  bread  and 
milk,  flaxseed,  or  slippery-elm  poultice,  is  not  only  very 
soothing  but  hastens  the  cure. 


90  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

Arsenic  may  be  given,  a  dose  morning  and  evening, 
but  should  there  be  much  swelling,  and  the  boil  present 
an  inflamed  and  fiery  red  appearance,  attended  with  con- 
siderable pain,  Belladonna  may  be  alternated  with  Mer- 
cury, four  or  five  hours  apart. 

After  matter  has  formed,  which  may  be  indicated  by 
the  softness  of  some  portion  of  the  tumor,  Hepar-s.  may 
be  given  every  four  or  five  hours  until  the  tumor  breaks. 

Should  the  boil  assume  a  malignant  character,  becom- 
ing blue,  painful  and  increasing  in  size,  Lachesis  and 
Arsenic  may  be  alternated  four  or  five  hours  apart. 

The  Carbuncle  is  often  exceedingly  dangerous,  espe- 
cially when  it  appears  on  the  head,  as  it  is  very  liable  to 
run  into  mortification.  It  is  large  in  size,  presents  a 
hard  and  livid  appearance,  is  exceedingly  painful,  and 
on  breaking,  instead  of  presenting  a  central  core  like 
the  ordinary  boil,  discharges  an  offensive  matter  mixed 
with  blood,  from  several  openings. 

Silicea  in  the  less  severe  forms  of  carbuncle,  a  dose 
every  four  or  five  hours,  will  generally  be  alone  sufficient; 
but  should  it  assume  a  very  painful  and  severe  charac- 
ter, Lachesis  should  be  alternated  with  Arsenic^  three  or 
four  hours  apart.  The  parts  may  be  frequently  bathed 
with  tepid  water. 

To  prevent  the  return  of  boils,  or  to  eradicate  the 
affection,  Sulphur  may  be  given  every  second  night. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the 
tongue. 

ABSCESS.  SWELLING  OF  THE  GLANDS. 
The  glands  in  different  parts  of  the ''body  are  liable, 
from  various  causes,  to  become  swollen  and  suppurate, 
causing  frequently  not  only  considerable  pain,  but  more 
or  less  general  disturbance  throughout  the  system.  Hence 
we  frequently  have  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck 
arm-pit,  groins,  &c. 


CORNS.  91 

One  of  the  various  poultices  already  enumerated  may 
be  applied,  and,  if  the  swelling  is  attended  with  con- 
siderable pain,  Belladonna  and  Mercury  alternated  four 
or  five  hours  apart.  If  the  swelling  is  slow  in  its  pro- 
gress, Hepar-s.  or  Silicea  may  be  given,  one  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  the  other  in  the  evening.  Should  the  patient 
be  scrofulous,  a  dose  of  Iodine  may  be  given  every  night, 

After  the  abscess  has  opened,  a  few  doses  of  Hepar-s. 
in  alternation  with  $iUoeat  given  morning  and  night, 
may  be  required.  Enlargement  of  the  glands  about  the 
neck  require  Dulcamara  and  Mercury  in  alternation,  a 
dose  every  evening,  and  after  suppuration  has  com- 
menced, Hepar-s.  and  Silicea  in  the  same  manner. 

Sulphur  every  second  night  will  often  remove  a  ten- 
dency to  this  difficulty,  or  eradicate  the  relics  of  the 
disease. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue,  as  directed 
above. 

WARTS. 

These  little  fungous  growths,  appearing  frequently  on 
the  hands,  do  not  add  materially  to  their  beauty,  and  are 
somewhat  annoying. 

Touching  them  three  or  four  times  a  day  with  the 
tincture  of  Thuja,  will  generally  cause  them  to  rapidly 
disappear.  If  after  a  week's  trial  no  effect  is  perceived, 
RTius  may  be  used  in  the  same  way. 

Should  it  be  necessary  to  resort  to  internal  remedies, 
Causticum  or  Calcarea  may  be  given,  a  dose  every  other 
night  for  two  weeks,  if  necessary. 

DOSE. — Three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue. 

CORNS. 

Clavi  Pedis. 

To  prevent  their  formation,  do  not  cramp  the  feet,  but 
wear  boots  and  shoes  made  easy  and  comfortable.  This, 
however,  will  not  always  prevent  their  formation,  for 


92  CUTANEOUS    DISEASES. 

we  sometimes  find  them  when  this  fault  cannot  be 
charged  to  the  patient. 

The  corns  should  not  be  permitted  to  become  large 
and  hard,  and  should  therefore  occasionally  be  pared 
down  as  much  a  possible,  and  covered  with  Arnica,  plas- 
ter, or  ordinary  adhesive  plaster.  They  may  also  be 
bathed,  where  there  is  considerable  pain,  with  Arnica. 
Should  there  be  a  sensation  as  if  needles  were  running 
through  the  corn,  Ant.-criid.  may  be  taken,  a  dose  every 
evening  for  a  week.  Calc.,  /Sep.,  Sil.  may  be  required, 
if  there  is  considerable  pain ;  a  dose  every  evening,  com- 
mencing with  Calc.  and  following  in  a  week's  time,  if 
necessary  by  another  remedy. 

DOSE. — Three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS.  93 


CHAPTER    III. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

DYSPEPSY. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  difficulties  in  the 
whole  list  of  disease.  It  includes  most  of  those  unde- 
finable,  and  sometimes  inexpressible  sensations  popu- 
larly classed  under  the  head  of  "bilious  derangement." 
It  is  in  this  way  that  the  stomach  generally  speaks, 
when  it  has  been  crowded  with  more  food  than  it  can 
manage,  or  when  the  food  is  not  of  the  proper  quantity, 
or  taken  at  the  proper  time,  or  -when  its  strength  has 
been  tasked  by  stimulants  and  dissipation.  The  result 
of  this  violent  action,  is  of  course,  weakness  of  the  di- 
gestive organs. 

Derangement  of  the  stomach  is  followed  by  a  long 
train  of  unpleasant  and  distressing  symptoms.  A  sym- 
pathetic action  is  felt  in  the  head  and  in  fact  in  every 
part  of  the  body.  Thus  we  have  violent  headaches,  in- 
tolerable dullness,  great  vertigo,  general  lassitude,  pain 
in  the  abdomen,  constipation,  diarrhoea,  and  a  host  of 
diseases. 

CAUSES.— The  human  system  is  fond  of  order  and  regu- 
larity, and  when  this  order  is  interfered  with,  derange- 
ment is  the  result.  This  may  arise,  as  it  regards  the 
stomach,  from  either  taking  too  much  and  too  rich  food, 
or  not  enough ;  by  eating  whenever  convenient,  instead 
of  at  regular  hours,  by  eating  food  not  easily  digested, 
or  too  great  a  variety  at  one  time  ;  by  indulging  in  the 
free  use  of  stimulants,  such  as,  spices,  liquors,  &c.,  and 
by  the  immoderate  use  of  tobacco,  coifee,  and  tea,  as  well 
as  by  various  other  causes.  The  stomach  is  not  unfre- 


94  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

quently  weakened  by  large  doses  of  medicine,  and  con- 
tinues in  this  debilitated  state  for  years. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Sensation  of  weight  in  the  stomach,  espe- 
cially after  eating,  loss  of  appetite,  bitter  taste  in  the 
mouth,  sour  rising,  flatulence,  nausea,  and  sometimes 
vomiting  of  acid  or  mucus,  drowsiness,  particularly  after 
a  meal. 

TREATMENT.  —  Abstain  from  unnatural  stimulants, 
which  generally  only  produce  temporary  relief,  and 
make  use  of  food,  easy  of  digestion,  at  regular  inter- 
vals. The  free  use  of  cold  water  in  chronic  derange- 
ment, in  the  form  of  the  wet  bandage,  (See  Bathing.)  is 
also  recommended.  Recent  cases  of  dyspepsy  are  gene- 
rally controlled  by  means  of  Pulsatilla,  Ipecac.,  or  Num- 
vomica,  while  those,  of  longer  duration  are  not  unfre- 
quently  entirely  removed  by  means  of  Hepar-s.  and 
Sulphur. 

When  occasioned  by  the  use  fat  things,  Pulsatilla  is 
generally  indicated,  or  sometimes  Ipecac,  or  Carb.-veg. 

Occasioned  by  cold  water,  ices,  or  fruits :  Puls.,  Caps., 
Ars,,  China,  Ipecac.,  or  Verat. 

In  children,  Ipecac.,  China,  Pulsn  Nux^vom^  Sulph., 
Cham. 

In  old  people,  Ant.,  Carb.-veg.,  Chin.,  Nux-vom. 

Occasioned  by  a  sedentary  life :  Bry.,  Nux-vom^  Sep., 
Sulph. 

By  prolonged  watching :  Am.,  Carb.-veg^  JVuns-vom., 
Puls.,  Verat. 

By  debilitating  losses  from  purging,  bleeding,  &c. : 
6'/<m.,  Calcn  Carb.-v*,  Ruta.,  PJws.-ac. 

By  sexual  excess :  Calc.,  Merc.,  Nux-vom.,  Staph. 

Gluttony :  Antn  Ars^  Ipec  c.,  Nux-vom.,  Puls. 

Spirituous  liquors :  Carb.-v.,  Nux-vom.,  Sulph.,  Chin., 
Puls. 

Abuse  of  Coffee :   Nux-vom.,  Ignatia. 

Abuse  of  Tea:  fer.-or  Thuja. 


DYSPEPSY.  95 


Abuse  of  Tobacco  :    Ipecac.,  JYux-vom.,  Puls. 

From  Grief:  N'ux-vom.,  Bry.,  Chin.,  Ignatia. 

From  Meat :   Fer.,  Ruta,  Sil.,  Sulph. 

^rom  Milk:  Bry^Calc.,  Nux-vom.,  &ulph. 

As  it  regards  the  particular  indications  of  remedies, 
Nux-vomica  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  prominent,  par- 
ticularly at  the  commencement  of  the  treatment,  and 
where  there  is  a  predisposition  to  constipation  or  piles, 
or  a  temperament  which  is  restless,  irritable,  lively  and 
choleric. 

There  is  generally  a  sour,  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth, 
hunger,  or  repugnance  to  food,  with  craving  for  spirit- 
uous liquors ;  nausea,  sour  eructation  ;  or  else  vomiting 
of  food,  flatulence,  dullness,  vertigo,  lassitude  and  dis- 
position to  sleep,  tenderness  of  the  stomach  when  touched, 
with  a  sense  of  weight  or  fullness ;  sufferings  from 
drinking,  coffee,  tobacco,  abuse  of  food,  and  the  various 
forms  of  dissipation ;  waterbrash,  heaviness  and  dull- 
ness of  the  head  ;  constipation,  heat  and  redness  of  the 
face;  yellow  or  earthy  complexion.  It  is  frequently 
desirable  to  alternate  it  with  Sulphur,  the  Sulphur  in 
the  morning,  and  Nux  at  night. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  night  and  morning.  If  in 
alternation  with  Sulphur,  as  directed  above. 

Sulphur. — More  particularly  indicated  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  treatment,  in  chronic  dyspepsy,  or  in  per- 
sons of  nervous  and  irritable  temperament  after  Nux-v. 
or  Pitlsatilla.  There  is  repugnance  to  food,  craving  for 
acids ;  sufferings  from  meat,  acids,  fat,  milk,  and  sweeten- 
ed food ;  shortness  of  breath,  nausea,  vomiting  of  food, 
eructations,  pain  in  the  stomach  after  eating ;  acidity, 
water-brash,  flatulence,  &c. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Pulsatilla. — Indicated  in  the  commencement  of  the 
disease,  particularly  when  occasioned  by  fatty  food. 
There  is  dislike  to  cooked  or  hot  food,  and  a  craving  for 


AFFECTIONS    OF   STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 


acids,  spices,  wines  and  rich  food ;  nausea,  eructations 
or  vomiting,  dyspnoea  and  sadness  after  a  meal ;  water- 
brash  ;  bitter  or  sour  eructations ;  frequent  loose  evacua- 
tions, sometimes  with  colic.  This  remedy  is  particularly 
suited  to  women,  and  can  often  be  followed  by  Sulphur. 
DUSE. — Two  drops  or  eight  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose.  For  directions  as  to  giving  the  medicine, 
see  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Bryonia. — Particularly  indicated  in  damp  and  warm 
weather,  and  where  there  is  constipation ;  painful  sen- 
sibility of  the  stomach  to  the  touch,  sometimes  with 
colic,  a  sense  of  fullness,  or  vomiting  of  food  after  a  meal ; 
aversion  to  food  and  craving  for  stimulants;  empty, 
sour,  or  bitter  eructations.  It  may  frequently  be  alter- 
nated with  China  or  Rhus. 

DOSE.  —See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

China. — In  marshy  districts  in  the  spring  or  autumn, 
or  where  the  system  has  been  debilitated  by  blood-letting, 
purging,  &c. ;  and  where  there  is  indifference  to  food, 
craving  for  stimulants ;  acid,  or  bitter  taste ;  uneasiness, 
drowsiness,  fullness,  distensions,  eructations ;  great  weak- 
ness ;  sensibility  to  currents  of  air ;  disturbed  sleep.  It 
is  sometimes  alternated  with  Bryonia  or  Rhus. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

JKhus. — Its  indications  are  similar  to  Bryonia^  with 
which,  or  with  China,  it  is  generally  advisable  to  alter- 
nate it  There  is  an  unnatural  taste;  repugnance  to 
food  and  craving  for  dainties  ;  disposition  to  sleep,  lassi- 
tude and  nausea  after  a  meal ;  painful  but  abortive 
eructations;  distension  of  the  stomach,  gastric  sufferings 
and  uneasiness,  particularly  at  night. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Hepar-s. — Is  a  valuable  remedy  in  chronic  cases,  par- 
ticularly if  Mercury  has  been  freely  given,  or  if  almost 
all  kinds  of  food  disagree,  with  craving  for  stimulants ; 
nausea,  particularly  in  the  morning,  sometimes  with 
vomiting  of  sour,  bilious  or  mucous  substance ;  pain  in 


DYSPEPSY.  97 


the  abdomen  ;  sensation  of  fullness  and  distension^  with 
a  desire  to  have  the  clothes  loose  about  the  stomach. 

Mercury  or  Lachesis  are  often  indicated  after  Hepar-s., 
or  they  may  be  given  in  alternation. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Mercurius. — Unpleasant  taste  in  the  morning ;  aversion 
to  hot,  and  craving  for  cool  food  and  drink ;  painful  sen- 
sibility of  the  stomach  with  nausea,  eructations,  fullness 
and  tension ;  constipation  with  tenesmus. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Calcarea. — Acid  or  bitter  taste ;  thirst  with  little  ap- 
petite ;  dislike  for  meat  and  hot  food,  with  craving  for 
dainties ;  nausea,  water-brash,  acidity,  fullness  and  ten- 
derness of  the  stomach  to  the  touch ;  debility,  pain  in 
the  head  with  sensation  of  coldness.  Frequently  given 
after  Sulphur. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Arsenicum. — Burning  pains  or  colic  in  the  stomach 
and  abdomen,  sometimes  with  chilliness  and  anguish , 
stomach  sensitive  to  the  touch ;  fullness  or  aching  sen- 
sation, great  debility ;  nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea, 
particularly  after  drinking,  and  every  motion  of  the  body 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Ipecac. — Loathing  of  food  with  desire  to  vomit; 
violent  straining  or  easy  vomiting,  nausea,  pains  and  pres- 
sure or  sense  of  fullness  in  the  stomach ;  aching  sensa- 
tion in  the  forehead  or  head ;  chilliness ;  colic  and 
diarrhoeic  stools. 

DOSE. — See  administration  at  the  close  of  this  disease. 

Carb.-v. — Loss  of  appetite  ;  nausea  and  vomiting  after 
a  meal ;  acidity  and  pains  in  the  stomach ;  heaviness 
and  dullness  of  the  head  ;  peculiarly  sensitive  to  changes 
of  the  temperature,  cold,  hot,  dry  or  damp  weather. 

For  particular  indications   for   other  remedies,  see 
Materia  Medica,  at  the  close  of  the  book. 
5 


98  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

ADMINISTRATION. — I  have  already  mentioned  (page  12) 
in  the  introductory  chapter,  which  I  trust  the  reader 
will  carefully  peruse,  the  manner  of  preparing  and  giving 
medicines,  so  that  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  enter  into 
the  minutiae  here.  Two  drops  may  be  mixed  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  given  at  a  dose,  or  a 
powder  or  three  globules  taken  on  the  tongue.  In  recent 
cases  of  derangement  of  the  stomach,  the  remedy  care- 
fully selected,  may  be  given,  a  dose  once  in  from  one  to 
four  hours,  according  to  circumstances.  In  chronic  cases 
the  intervals  should  be  longer,  say  every  six,  or  twelve 
hours,  generally  morning  and  night.  I  would  again  urge 
upon  the  attention  of  the  reader,  the  necessity  of  closely 
studying  the  case,  of  being  particular  in  the  selection  of 
a  remedy,  and  after  its  selection,  giving  it  a  fair  trial. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  diet  should  be  plain  and 
simple,  the  habits  regular,  the  mind  cheerful  and  easy, 
and  those  causes,  which  tended  to  produce  the  disease, 
carefully  avoided.  Bathing  and  friction,  moderate  exer- 
cise in  the  open  air,  cheerful  conversation,  avoiding  un- 
pleasant and  gloomy  thoughts,  and  indulgence  in  those 
things  which  will  give  a  healthy  tone  to  the  mind,  and 
life  and  animation  to  the  body,  will  often  effect  a  cure 
without  resorting  to  internal  remedies.  Late  suppers, 
rich  and  stimulating  food  and  drinks,  and  the  artificial 
manner  of  living,  which  seems  to  be  so  pleasing  to  some, 
are  not  pleasing  to  the  stomach,  and  are  followed,  often- 
times, by  indigestion  running  into  violent  fevers  and 
chronic  difficulties,  which  undermine  the  constitution 
and  sap  the  foundations  of  life.  As  a  general  thing  a 
person  suffering  from  dyspepsy  should  avoid  tobacco  in 
every  form. 

When  there  is  an  acid  stomach  a  little  weak  lemonade, 
cider  or  a  small  quantity  of  some  of  the  acid  wines  will 
often  produce  relief. 


LOSS  OF  APPETITE. NAUSEA  VOMITING. 


LOSS  OF  APPETITE. 

Anorexia. 

This  is  occasioned  by  a  derangement  or  weakness  of 
the  nerves  of  the  stomach,  and  is  generally  symptomatic 
of  other  difficulties,  vanishing  when  those  difficulties  are 
removed.  When  it  seems  to  be  the  only  symptom  pre- 
sent, the  remedies  under  the  head  of  dyspepsy  may  be 
consulted,  or  with  but  few  exceptions,  it  may  be  entirely 
removed  by  the  use  of  water,  in  the  form  of  bathing, 
exercise  and  a  proper  attention  to  diet.  (See  Bathing.) 

MORBID  APPETITE. 

Bulimy. 

This  affection  is  also  occasioned  by  a  derangement  of 
the  nerves  of  the  stomach,  and  instead  of  being  a  disease 
itself,  forms  a  part  of  some  other  disease,  with  which  it 
may  be  treated.  The  remarks  respecting  loss  of  appo- 
tite,  are  applicable  here. 

NAUSEA.    VOMITING. 

These  difficulties  may  be  occasioned  by  errors  in  diet, 
in  which  case  vomiting  should  be  encouraged  by  the 
use  of  warm  water,  until  the  disturbing  cause  is  ejected. 
They  more  generally,  however,  form  part  of  a  group  of 
symptoms,  indicating  a  derangement  of  various  organs, 
and  will  be  treated  in  connection  with  the  diseases  of 
which  they  form  symptoms.  When  it  so*  far  predomi- 
nates over  other  symptoms  as  to  require  particular  atten- 
tion, the  prominent  remedies  are  •SKbfoem,  Ipecac.,  Pul- 
satilla,  JVux,  Arsenic,  Cuprum,  Veratrum. 

Vomiting  of  blood  may  require ;  Aeon.,  Fer.,  Am., 
Hyosc.,  Ipecac.,  Nux.-v.,  Amm.-c.,  Carbo-v.,  Caust^ 
Chin^  Mill..  Puls. 

Of  food :  Are.,  Fer.,  Hyo*.,  Nux.-w.,  Pulsn  Sul/ph., 
Bry. 


100  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND    BOWELS. 

Black  vomiting :  Ars.,  Cole.,  Chin.,  Verat.,  Ipecac., 
Nux-v. 

From  indigestible  food  or  overloading  the  stomach : 
Ipecac.,  Puls.,  Stib.,  JBry.,  Nux.v..  Sulph.,  Ars.,  Bell., 
Fer.,  Rhus.  See  also  Dyspepsy. 

For  Vomiting  of  Pregnant  females,  see  diseases  of 
Pregnancy.  Of  Drunkards — see  Delirium  Tremens.  Con- 
sult also  the  index,  and  the  disease  indicated  by  the 
group  of  symptoms. 

Simple  nausea  or  vomiting  may  often  he  relieved  by 
Ipecac.  If  occasioned  by  fatty  food,  Pulsatilla  may  be 
required ;  if  the  trouble  is  produced  by  fruits,  or  there  is 
a  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  Nusyo.  will  be  required. 
JVux-v.  may  also  be  given  in  vomiting  of  blood,  where 
the  patient  is  of  plethoric  habit,  should  there  be  vomit- 
ing of  blood,  with  considerable  fever,  Aconite  will  be  re- 
quired. 

Where  the  vomiting  of  blood  is  serious  a  lump  of  ice 
should  be  held  in  the  mouth,  and  the  patient  kept  per- 
fectly quiet,  giving  at  the  same  time  Plumb.-acet.,  Mill. 
or  Hamamelis. 

ADMINISTRATION.— Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tum- 
bler of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or 
three  globules,  may  be  taken  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give 
a  dose  in  from  one  to  three  hours,  or  if  the  symptoms 
are  urgent  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes. 

DIET. — Light  farinaceous  food,  such  as,  toast  water, 
toast,  gruel,  farina,  &c. 

SEA  SICKNESS. 

This  is  a  most  distressing  difficulty,  and  one  unfor- 
tunately, in  which  the  patient  receives  but  very  little 
sympathy.  Its  severity  and  duration,  depend  very  much 
upon  temperament  and  the  condition  of  the  person  at 
the  time.  Some  are  sick  from  the  motion  of  a  carriage, 
or  on  the  water,  when  it  is  simply  rippled  by  the  wind, 


SEA   SICKNESS.  101 


while  others  experience  no  unpleasant  sensations  even  in 
the  wildest  storms  of  the  ocean. 

CAUSE. — It  may  arise  from  a  peculiar  impression,  pro- 
duced on  the  brain  and  nervous  system  by  the  motion  of 
the  body,  or  by  the  objects  we  are  passing;  or  again  by 
the  abdominal  viscera,  from  the  motion  of  the  vessel, 
rising  and  falling  against  the  stomach,  and  from  a  variety 
of  causes.  The  intense  nausea,  violent  vomiting  and  dis- 
regard for  life  render  it  unlike  any  other  disease. 

TREATMENT.  Some  advise  the  use  of  a  bandage  drawn 
around  the  body  very  tightly,  just  below  the  stomach, 
but  all  agree  in  the  propriety  of  not  crowding  the  stomach 
with  a  large  amount  of  food  just  before  going  aboard. 
Brandy,  lemons,  ale,  herring,  &c.,  generally  agree.  The 
patient  should  remain  in  the  open  air,  avoiding  the  bed, 
or  the  confined  air  of  the  cabin  as  much  as  possible. 
The  remedies  which  will  sometimes  afford  relief,  are : 

CoGculus. — When  with  the  nausea  there  is  an  extreme 
sensitiveness  of  smell ;  loathing  of  smoking ;  hunger,  but 
no  appetite.  It  is  indicated  by  the  nausea,  and  vomiting 
occasioned  by  the  motion  of  a  carriage,  especially  in  de- 
licate females. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  one,  two  or  three  hours,  or  if  it  be  preferred,  three 
globules  may  be  taken  dry  on  the  tongue  at  the  same  intervals. 

Nux-vom.  and  Arsenicum,  may  be  taken  in  alternation 
every  two  or  three  hours,  particularly,  when  the  symp- 
toms are  slight,  or  commence  just  after  embarking. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue. 

Tabacum. — When  the  nausea  is  excessive,  aggravated 
by  the  slightest  motion  of  the  head  and  body,  and  when 
the  symptoms  are  relieved  in  the  air. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Cocculus. 

Arsenicum. — When  the  excessive  nausea  is  accompa- 
nied by  great  prostration,  violent  retching,  burning  sen- 
sation in  the  throat  and  stomach.  It  should  be  given 


102  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 


between  the  paroxysms.  After  the  severity  of  the  pa- 
roxysms have  subsided,  the  nausea  and  giddiness  is  fre- 
quently removed  by  Tabacum  or  Cocculus. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Ipecac. — Vomiting  unattended  by  weakness. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

PuLsatilla. — The  patient  is  relieved  in  the  open  air. 

Petroleum. — A  prominent  remedy  particularly  when 
there  is  debility. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Constipation  during  a  voyage  is  controlled  by  Nux- 
voni.,  Op.,  Coco.,  Sulph.  And  if  accompanied  with  bloody 
gums  and  putrid  taste,  Staphysagria.  A  dose  once  in 
twelve  hours  will  generally  be  sufficient. 

SPASMS,  AND  PAIN  IN  THE  STOMACH. 

Gastralgia,  Cardialgia.    Neuralgia  of  the  stomach. 

This  disease  is  excessively  tormenting,  and  often  slow 
and  tedious  in  its  progress. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Pain  in  the  region  of  the  stomach,  varying 
in  character  and  severity ;  at  times  violently  constrictive, 
cutting,  tearing,  gnawing  and  beating;  sometimes  so 
violent  as  to  cause  the  patient  to  bend  double,  at  others, 
dull  and  heavy.  It  frequently  extends  to  the  breast  and 
back,  and  is  felt  between  the  shoulders.  Hard  pressure 
from  without  generally  relieves  the  pain.  The  paroxysms 
vary  in  duration  from  a  quarter  of  an  hour  to  a  day.  As 
the  disease  progresses,  they  increase  in  frequency  and 
intensity  until  the  pain  is  felt  nearly  all  the  time.  There 
is  often  distressing  vomiting,  hiccough,  flatulence,  obsti- 
nate constipation,  nud  palpitation  of  the  heart.  Towards 
the  end  <>t'  tlic  paroxysm  the  patient is  frequently  relieved 
by  bilious,  acrid,  or  mucous  vomiting. 

CAUSES. — Any  cause  which  has  a  tendency  to  derange 
the  nerves  of  the  stomach,  as  irritation  of  the  liver, 
sjii.'cn,  £c.  Errors  of  diet,  abuse  of  coffee  and  tea,  fatigue, 
emotion,  cathartics,  abuse  of  ardent  spirits,  as  well  as 


SPASMS,    AND    PAIN    IN   THE    STOMACH.  103 

other  stimulating  articles.  Suppression  of  cutaneous 
eruption  and  cold  in  the  stomach,  when  the  body  is 
heated.  Exposure  to  cold,  damp  or  changeable  weather, 
especially  in  gouty  and  rheumatic  persons.  It  is  often 
particularly  violent  in  females  at  the  menstrual  or  criti- 
cal period,  when  it  may  cause  vomiting  of  blood. 

TREATMENT. — Flannel  should  be  worn  next  the  skin, 
the  feet  should  be  kept  warm,  and  particular  attention 
paid  to  the  diet.  All  stimulants,  such  as  wines  and 
spices,  as  well  as  coffee  and  tea,  excepting  perhaps  weak 
black  tea,  should  be  avoided.  Rich  food  and  gravies, 
uncooked  vegetables,  new  bread  or  warm  cakes,  sweet- 
meats, cheese  and  all  of  that  class  of  food  should  be 
strictly  prohibited.  Gastralgia,  occasioned  by  abuse  of 
coffee,  may  indicate :  Cham.,  Cocc.,  Ign.,  Nux-v. 

Caused  by  moral  emotions,  such  as,  anger,  grief,  &c. : 
Cham.,  Coloc.,  Nux-vom.,  Ign.,  Sta/ph. 

By  debility  from  nursing,  purgatives,  loss  of  blood,  &c. : 
Carb.-v.,  Chin,  Cocc.,  Nux-vom. 

By  indigestion :  JBry.,  Nux-v.,  Puls.,  Carb.-v.,  Chin. 

By  intemperance :  Carb.-v.,  JVux-v.t  Calc.,  Sul/ph. 

By  suppressed  eruption :  Sul/ph. 

During  Catamenia :  Cham.,  Cocc.,  Nux-vom.,  and  par- 
ticularly Puls.,  Sep. 

Catamenia  too  weak :  Cocc.,  Puls. 

Catamenia  too  profuse :  Calc.,  Lye. 

Torpor  of  liver  and  bowels  from  want  of  exercise: 
Carb.-v.,  Nux.,  Sulph. 

JVux-vom.  is  one  of  the  most  important  remedies,  par- 
ticularly indicated  towards  the  commencement  of  the 
disease.  A  few  doses,  followed  perhaps  by  three  or  four 
doses  of  Carb.-v.  will  often  effect  a  complete  cure.  If, 
however,  notwithstanding  the  similarity  of  the  symptoms 
to  Nux,  decided  relief  is  not  obtained  in  a  short  time, 
Pulsaiitta,  Chafnomilla,  Ignatia,  or  Cocculus  may  be 
consulted  with  advantage. 


104  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

The  particular  symptoms  indicating  J\Tusc,  are  contrac- 
tive, pressive,  and  spasmodic  pains  in  the  stomach;  ag- 
gravation of  pains  after  a  meal  or  from  coffee ;  oppression 
of  the  chest,  with  pain  extending  into  the  back ;  nausea, 
water-brash  or  vomiting  of  food  during  the  pain ;  flatu- 
lence, constipation,  hasmorrhoidal  sufferings;  irritable, 
morose  and  changeable  temper ;  palpitation  of  the  heart; 
pain  in  the  head,  or  pressive  pain  in  the  forehead. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue ;  or  one 
drop  of  the  tincture  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 
In  acute  and  severe  cases  it  may  be  given  once  in  two  hours  until 
relief  is  obtained.  In  chronic  cases  it  may  be  taken  morning  and 
night. 

Carb.-v.  particularly  after  Niix,  and  where  there  is  vio- 
lent contractive  spasmodic  pain,  worse  on  lying  down ; 
water-brash,  nausea,  repugnance  to  food,  flatulence,  op- 
pression of  the  chest  and  constipation ;  painful  burning 
pressure  with  anxiety,  aggravated  at  night  or  after  a 
meal. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

ChamonHla. — Distension  of  the  abdomen,  with  heavy 
pressing  sensation,  oppression  of  the  chest  and  shortness 
of  breath;  worse  after  a  meal  or  at  night;  great  anguish, 
sometimes  relieved  by  coffee ;  pulsative  pain  in  the  top 
of  the  head,  particularly  at  night.  It  may  be  alternated 
with  Coffea,  and  followed,  when  notwithstanding  the 
similarity  of  the  symptoms  relief  is  not  obtained,  by 
Belladonna. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Cocculus. — Often  of  benefit  after  Nux-wom^  or  Cha- 

'lla,  where  but  slight  relief  has  been  obtained  by 

them,  and  when  the  pain   is  relieved  by  emission  of 

flatulence ;  also  where  the  symptoms  seem  to  indicate 

Nux,  and  yet  are  not  relieved  by  that  remedy. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

/'"teat'Ma. — Shooting  pains,  aggravated  by  walking, 
and  in  the  evening,  when  they  are  also  increased  by 


SPASMS,   AND   PAIN   IN   THE    STOMACH.  105 

shivering;  spasmodic  pain  either  from  fasting  or  over, 
loading  the  stomach,  with  nausea  or  vomiting ;  pulsation 
or  tension  in  the  stomach ;  sour  or  bitter  taste,  diarrhceic 
stools ;  mild  disposition,  sad  and  tearful.  It  is  of  decided 
service  in  menstrual  difficulties. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Belladonna. — Especially  in  women  and  delicate  per- 
sons, and  where  the  necessary  relief  has  not  been  obtain- 
ed from  Chamomilla;  violent  aching  or  spasmodic  ten- 
sion or  pain,  so  violent  as  to  deprive  of  consciousness, 
great  thirst,  yet  worse  during  and  after  drinking; 
sleeplessness  at  night,  and  sometimes  the  opposite  during 
the  day. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Bryonia. — In  the  less  violent  forms  of  the  disease. 
There  is  pressure  in  the  pit  of  stomach,  during  and  after 
a  meal,  together  with  a  sensation  of  swelling;  the  pressure, 
sometimes  increasing  to  pinching  or  cutting,  is  relieved 
by  external  pressure  which  creates  belching  of  wind; 
headache  and  constipation. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give 
once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Platina. — Particularly  serviceable  during  profuse 
menstruation,  generally  in  alternation  with  Belladonna/. 

DOSE. — A^  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  three  hours. 

China. — When  occasioned  by  debility,  such  as  that 
resulting  from  hemorrhage,  sexual  excess,  cathartics, 
emetics,  &c.  Flatulence,  water-brash;  fullness  and  pres- 
sure after  a  meal ;  violent  attacks,  with  sense  of  repletion, 
oppressive  aching  pain,  eructations  and  empty  retching. 

DOSE. — 'Three  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  morn- 
ing and  night. 

Ipecac. — Nausea,  retching,  vomiting,  dull  stitches  in 
the  stomach. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  or  three 
globules  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give  a  dose  every  two  hours  until 
relieved. 

5* 


106  AFFECTIONS    OF   STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 


.  —  Press!  ve  pain  as  from  a  stone,  especially 
after  a  meal,  with  nausea,  vomiting  and  water-brash; 
acidity,  eructations  ;  tendency  to  haemorrhoid  or  mucous 
derangement  of  the  digestive  organs;  disposition  to 
anger,  grief,  or  melancholy. 

DOSE.  —  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Causticum.  —  Pressure,  spasmodic  constriction  and 
clawing,  shuddering  when  the  pain  increases,  acidity  and 
water-brash. 

DOSE.  —  One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  or  three 
globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Tgnatia.  —  Particularly  after  Pulsatilla,  or  when  it  has 
been  occasioned  by  grief  or  fasting;  also  pressive  pain 
like  a  stone,  after  a  meal  or  at  night;  weakness,  empti- 
ness, or  burning  in  the  stomach,  which  is  sensitive  to 
the  touch;  hiccough,  repugnance  to  food,  drink,  or 
tobacco. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Causticum. 

Calcarea.  —  Principally  in  plethoric  persons  and  women 
subject  to  profuse  menstruation,  or  where  Belladonna 
has  given  but  slight  relief,  and  where  there  is  com- 
pressive  spasmodic  pain,  worse  after  a  meal  or  at  night, 
with  vomiting  of  food,  acidity,  nausea  and  painful  sensi- 
bility to  the  touch;  constipation  and  hsemorrhoidal 
difficulties. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Sulphur. 

J  rgent-nit.  —  Useful  with  females  weak  and  irritable, 
when  the  menses  are  early  and  profuse;  the  spasmodic 
pain  is  very  violent  and  is  accompanied  with  retching 
and  vomiting  of  acrid,  yellow,  greenish  bitter  mucus. 

DOSE.  —  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Arsenic.  —  Burning  pain  in  the  stomach  ;  vomiting  on 
drinking  the  smallest  quantity  ;  violent  pain,  or  dull  and 
heavy;  great  prostration. 

l;n>E.  —  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue,  every  two 
or  three  hours.  Where,  in  acute  cases,  the  pain  is  excessively  violent, 


COLIC.  107 

the  remedy  carefully  selected  may  sometimes  be  given  once  in  half 
an  hour  or  an  hour.  The  external  application  of  warm  cloths  may 
also  be  advisable. 

COLIC. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Pain  more  or  less  severe ;  griping,  tearing, 
cutting,  grumbling  or  rumbling  in  different  parts  of  the 
abdomen,  but  particularly  about  the  navel;  the  pain 
generally  comes  on  in  paroxysms.  The  abdomen  is  some- 
times drawn  in,  at  others  distended  and  tense ;  the  pain 
is  generally  relieved  by  pressure,  the  bowels  seldom 
being  painful  to  the  touch,  unless  the  disease  is  gradually 
assuming  the  character  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 
These  symptoms  are  frequently  attended  by  vomiting, 
more  or  less  violent;  the  bowels,  as  a  general  thing,  in 
simple  colic,  are  constipated. 

1.  Inflammation  of  the  stomach,  and  Hernia  may  be 
mistaken  for  simple  colic,  and  yet,  with  a  little  care, 
they  may  very  readily  be  distinguished.  The  absence 
of  fever,  except  in  exceedingly  violent  paroxysms,  the 
pain  being  relieved  by  pressure,  the  aspect  of  the  counte- 
nance, and  the  quiet,  soft  pulse,  will  distinguish  it  from 
inflammation  of  the  fiowels.  It  may  very  readily  be 
distinguished  from  hernia  by  the  absence  of  the  small 
hernial  tumor,  which  is  present  in  the  latter  affection. 

CAUSES. — Among  the  prominent  causes  we  may 
enumerate,  errors  in  diet,  dissipation,  mental  trouble, 
constipation,  flatulent  food,  cold,  and  all  those  causes 
which  have  a  tendency  to  produce  inaction  of  the  bowels 
and  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs. 

It  may  arise  also  from  "Intersusce-ption,"  in  which  a 
small  portion  of  the  intestine  passes  within  itself,  forming 
a  stricture,  which  presents  an  impassible  barrier  to  the 
passage  of  food,  when,  unless  relief  is  speedily  obtained, 
inflammation  may  set  in,  ending  in  mortification  and 
death.  In  this,  there  is  at  first  no  fever,  but  an  obstinate, 
unyielding  constipation ;  vomiting,  gradually  becoming 


108  AFFECTIONS  OF  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

worse,  and  pain,  which  at  first  is  circumscribed  to  a 
small  space.  This  form  of  the  disease  is  by  no  means 
of  frequent  occurrence. 

2.  Flatulent  Colic. — This  is  very  frequent  in  children, 
improperly  fed,  and  in  dyspeptic  persons,  particularly 
those  who  are  poorly  nourished,  or  are  addicted  to  the 
use  of  spirits.    There  is  seldom  but  little  sickness,  not 
often  constipation,  but  a  painful  retention  of  flatus,  an 
occasional  rumbling  sensation  in  the  bowels,  with  emis- 
sions of  flatulence. 

3.  Bilious  Colic. — In  this  form  of  colic,  prior  to  the 
appearance  of  the  characteristic  symptoms,  the  patient 
usually  suffers  under  symptoms  of  disordered  stomach 
and  intestines,  such  as,  bitter  taste,  yellow  fur  on  the 
tongue,  nausea  and  vomiting.     There  is  thirst,  anxiety, 
restlessness,  severe  cutting  and  screwing  pain.     Bilious 
vomiting  supervenes,  and  the  bowels  are  freely  moved, 
the  evacuations  being  mixed  with  bile.     The  symptoms 
gradually  abate,  only  the  severer  forms  being  attended 
with  much  fever,  and  in  those  it  sometimes  terminates 
in  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  and  death. 

4.  Painters  Colic. — This  variety  is  known  by  a  variety 
of  names,  viz.  Colica  Pictonum,  Devonshire  Colic,  &c. 

It  is  occasioned  by  being  exposed  to  the  action  of  lead, 
and  is  very  common  among  painters,  who  use  the  white 
lead  in  their  paint,  as  well  as  among  plumbers,  and  those 
engaged  in  smelting  ores,  or  in  lead  manufactories.  At 
first,  there  is  a  loss  of  appetite,  restless  nights,  and 
disturbance  of  the  nervous  system.  This  is  followed  by 
vomiting,  pain  in  the  abdomen,  at  first  in  paroxysms, 
but  gradually  increasing  until  it  becomes  almost  con- 
stant. There  is  little  or  no  fever,  but  headache,  pain  in 
the  limbs,  obstinate  constipation,  and,  after  the  severe 
symptoms  have  passed  away,  frequently  paralysis  of  the 
extremities.  An  almost  invariable  symptom  of  Lead 
Colic  is  a  bluish  line,  extending  along  the  edge  of  the 


COLIC.  109 

gums.  Sometimes  this  bluish-grey  tinge  extends  over 
the  mouth. 

TREATMENT. — A  warm  bath  will  often  produce  speedy 
relief.  If  convenient,  the  patient  may  be  seated  in  the 
bath,  the  water  coming  up  to  the  stomach,  the  upper 
part  of  the  body  being  covered  so  as  to  confine  the 
steam,  and  permitted  to  remain  in  this  situation  ten  or 
twelve  minutes.  He  can  then  be  taken  out  and  covered 
warm  in  the  bed,  bottles  of  hot  water  being  placed  to 
the  feet.  When  this  form  of  bath  is  not  convenient, 
warm  cloths  can  be  placed  over  the  abdomen. 

The  prominent  remedies  are :  Belladonna,  Colocynth, 
Nux,  Pulsatilla. 

For  Flatulent  Colic:  Nux,  Bell.,  Carb.-v.,  Calc.,  Cham., 
Chin.,  Puls.,  Sulph.,  Cocc.  may  be  consulted. 

For  Bilious  Colic :  Nuw,  Coloc.,  Bry.,  Merc.,  Puls., 
Cham. 

For  Painters  Colic:  Opium,  Bell.,  Alumina,  Platina. 

With  constipation:  Op.,  Nux,  Bryonia. 

From  Indigestion:  Cham.,  Coloc.,  Sulphur. 

From  cold  damp  weather :  Pulsatilla. 

From  Bathing:  Nux. 

From  a  strain  or  a  blow :  Arnica,  Bryonia,  Rhus. 

See  also  SYMPTOMATIC  INDEX. 

The  particular  indications  are: 

Nux-vomica. — Obstinate  constipation ;  pressure  in  the 
abdomen  as  from  a  stone  with  flatulence;  pinching, 
contractive,  or  compressive  pains ;  pressure,  fullness  and 
tension  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen ;  coldness  of  the 
extremities,  or  numbness  during  the  pain ;  griping  and 
flatulence;  pressure  on  the  bladder  and  rectum;  pain 
in  the  loins  or  pressive  headache.  Particularly  indi- 
cated in  persons  of  plethoric  habit  and  accustomed  to 

rich  living. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  at  a  dose;  or  three  globules,  or  a  powder,  dry  on  the 
tongue.  See  also  administration  at  the  close  of  the  article. 


110  AFFECTIONS    OF   STOMACH   AND   BOWELS. 


—  A  prominent  remedy,  expecially  where 
there  are  violent  cutting  and  griping  pains  ;  tenderness 
and  bruised  sensation  of  the  abdomen  ;  cramps  in  the 
calves  of  the  legs  ;  restlessness  and  tossing  from  the  pain  ; 
constipation  or  diarrhoea,  and  bilious  vomiting,  par- 
ticularly after  eating. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Nux. 

Pulsatilla.  —  Shooting  pain  ;  uneasiness,  heaviness, 
fullness,  tension,  and  bruised  sensation  in  the  stomach 
and  abdomen,  incarcerated  flatus,  with  rumbling,  pinch- 
ing, griping,  aggravated  by  touch  ;  worse  in  the  evening 
or  on  lying  down  ;  general  heat  ;  pain  in  the  loins  when 
rising  ;  nausea  ;  diarrhoea  ;  paleness  of  the  face  ;  pressive 
headache. 

DOSE.  —  Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue. 

jBelladonna.  —  Pinching  and  drawing  with  a  pressure 
downward,  increased  by  motion;  swelling  between  the 
stomach  and  navel,  relieved  by  pressing;  or  pain  in  the 
stomach  as  if  the  intestines  were  grasped  by  finger 
nails;  or  spasmodic  constriction  in  the  abdomen  with 
burning  and  pressure  in  the  small  of  the  back  ;  or  con- 
gestion of  blood  to  the  head,  redness  of  face,  and  pain  of 
the  most  violent  character.  Mercury  or  Hyoscia/mus 
are  often  suitable  after  Belladonna. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Chamomilla.  —  Particularly  in  children,  or  when  the 
attack  is  brought  on  by  violent  anger  or  chagrin.  There 
are  tearing,  drawing  pains,  with  restlessness  ;  nausea,  bit- 
ter vomiting,  or  bilious  diarrhoea  ;  bruised  pain  through 
the  loins;  incarcerated  flatus  with  anguish,  tension,  and 
fullness  hi  the  stomach;  pressing  down;  cheeks  alter- 
nately pale  and  red.  Pains  worse  and  night,  in  the 
morning,  or  after  a  meal.  Pulsatilla  suits  well  after 
Chamomilla. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Pulsatilla. 


COLIC.  Ill 

Arsenicum. — Violent  pain  with  great  anguish;  griping, 
spasmodic,  corroding  pain,  with  great  burning,  or 
sensation  of  cold  in  the  abdomen;  nausea  or  vomiting; 
thirst,  shivering  and  debility;  worse  at  night  or  after 
eating  or  drinking. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue,  every  two 
or  three  hours. 

Cat-b.-veg. — Distension  of  the  abdomen  with  incar- 
cerated flatus,  rumbling,  belching  of  wind ;  pressive  pain 
in  the  head;  general  heat,  obstinate  constipation,  he- 
morrhoids. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenic. 

China. — Distension  of  the  abdomen  with  fullness  and 
pressure;  or  spasmodic  constrictive  pains,  incarcerated 
flatulence ;  especially  when  the  pains  appear  at  night,  or 
in  those  who  have  been  weakened  by  debilitating  losses, 

as  diarrhoea,  loss  of  blood,  &c. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla.     Give  morning,  noon  and  night. 

Gocculus. — Constrictive  spasmodic  pains,  with  flatu- 
lence, nausea,  shortness  of  breath  and  distension  of  the 
stomach;  or  sensation  of  emptiness  in  the  abdomen; 
tearing  and  burning  in  the  intestines,  with  clawing  in 
the  stomach;  nausea,  constipation,  anguish,  and  nervous 
excitability. 

Hyosciamus. — Similar  to  Belladonna.  Pain  in  the 
head,  restlessness,  tenderness,  hardness  and  distension 
of  the  abdomen,  griping  or  spasmodic  pain  with  vo- 
miting. 

Coffea. — Violent  almost  delirious  pain;  agitation, 
grinding  of  the  teeth,  oppression  of  the  stomach,  con- 
vulsions, coldness  of  the  limbs  and  suffocation. 

Phosphorus. — Flatulent  colic,  deep  in  the  abdomen. 

Ignatia. — Nightly  colic,  shooting  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  spleen;  incarcerated  flatulence  with  difficult  emission. 

Mercurius. — Tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  when  touch- 
ed; pains  worse  at  night,  particularly  after  midnight; 
hiccough,  morbid  appetite ;  nausea,  salivation,  eructations 


112  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND   BOWELS. 

or  slimy  diarrhoea ;  tensive  burning  or  shooting  pains,  or 
violent  and  contractive,  with  distension  and  hardness  of 
the  abdomen,  especially  around  the  navel. 

Sulphur. — In  h^emorrhoidal  colic,  if  the  desired  effect 
has  not  been  obtained  from  Carb-v.,  or  Nux-wom. ;  or  in 
bilious  colic,  when  neither  Chamomilla  or  Colocynth 
has  produced  relief;  or  in  flatulent  colic  after  Cham., 
Cocc.,  Nux  or  Carb.-v. 

Lycopodium. — Enormous  quantity  of  flatulence,  es- 
pecially after  eating ;  with  pressure,  distension,  and  full- 
ness in  stomach  and  abdomen  ;  constipation. 

Caloarea. — In  flatulent  colic,  or  where  it  arises  from 
acidity  of  the  stomach. 

Bryonia. — In  bilious  rheumatic  attacks ;  after  taking 
cold,  with  diarrhoea.  Alternate  with  Rhus. 

Opium. — Especially  in  Painter^  colic,  heaviness  in 
the  abdomen,  which  is  hard  and  distended ;  obstinate 
constipation,  with  vomiting  or  involuntary  stools. 

Veratrum. — Burning  in  the  abdomen,  tenderness,  and 
cutting  pains;  rumbling  and  flatulence  with  difficult 
stools.  Alternated  with  Arsenicum,  or  Coffea. 

Platina,  especially  in  lead  colic,  or  in  consequence  of 
fear,  or  anger;  contractive  pain  in  the  abdomen  and 
stomach,  with  sensation  of  bearing  down ;  sad,  melan- 
choly mood.  Particularly  indicated  for  females. 

ADMINISTRATION. — In  violent  cases  of  colic,  particularly 
where  there  is  Intersusception,  in  bilious  colic  with 
obstinate  constipation,  injections  may  be  necessary.  If 
so,  a  pint  of  cold,  or  tepid  water,  may  be  thrown  into  the 
bowels.  If  this  does  not  answer,  it  can  be  again  repeat- 
ed with  the  addition  of  a  teaspoonful  of  salt,  the  water 
made  sweet  with  molasses. 

In  violent  cases,  the  remedies,  prepared  as  directed  for 
PulsatiUa  or  Arsenic  may  be  given  every  twenty  or 
thirty  minutes,  gradually  increasing  the  time,  as  the 
symptoms  are  relieved,  to  two  or  four  hours.  If  after 


INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    LIVER.  113 

four  or  five  doses  have  been  given,  no  relief  is  obtained, 
the  medicine  should  be  changed. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Food  easy  of  digestion,  carefully 
avoiding  all  flatulent  diet,  and  food  which  the  patient 
has  found  at  times  to  disagree  with  him. 

INFLAMMATION  OP  THE  LIVER. 
Hepatitis.  * 

This  disease  has  an  acute  and  chronic  form.  Both  of 
which,  under  homoeopathic  treatment,  are  generally 
quickly  relieved  without  the  development  of  various 
difficulties  so  common  under  Allopathic  treatment,  par- 
ticularly in  hot  climates,  such  as  abscess  of  the  liver, 
which  often  terminates  in  death  or  in  adhesion  to  some 
other  organs. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  is  generally  an  enlargement  dis- 
tinctly felt  below  and  under  the  short  ribs  on  the  right 
side,  where  a  sensation  of  tightness  is  also  felt.  The 
patient  cannot,  lie  on  the  left  side,  is  troubled  with  fever, 
shortness  of  breath,  cough  and  often  vomiting  and  hic- 
cough. The  pain  is  seated,  at  times  violent,  burning, 
sharp,  cutting,  tensive,  extending  into  the  region  of  the 
stomach  or  thorax,  at  other  times  dull  and  aching,  felt 
only  during  a  deep  inspiration,  cough,  or  on  external 
pressure.  The  region  of  the  liver  is  extremely  sensitive, 
hot,  throbbing,  and  swollen,  pain  is  also  felt  in  the  top 
of  the  right  shoulder  and  arm,  sometimes  with  a  sensa- 
tion of  paralysis  in  the  whole  of  the  right  side. 

The  fever,  which  is  generally  violent,  is  sometimes  in- 
termittent or  remittent.  Gastric  or  bilious  symptoms 
are  also  present,  such  as  hiccough,  aversion  to  food, 
eructations,  nausea  and  vomiting,  fullness,  burning  and 
anguish  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  bitter  taste,  jaundiced 
appearance,  constipation  or  clayey  stool. 

*  For  a  description  of  the  liver,  see  Anatomy  and  Physiology,  also  Plate  4. 


114  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

CAUSES. — It  may  be  occasioned  by  violent  emotions, 
by  emetics,  or  drastic  cathartics ;  by  cold  in  the  abdomen, 
particularly  when  great  heat  alternates  with  dampness, 
or  cold  weather,  or  immediately  by  a  cold  drink,  by  in- 
digestion, ardent  spirits  and  the  passage  of  gall-stone. 
It  may  also  be  occasioned  by  mechanical  injuries,  such 
as  a  blow  or  heavy  fall,  also  by  suppression  of  piles,  of 
chronic  eruption,  erysipelas,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  &c. 
It  is  very  common  in  the  hot  weather  of  warm  climates. 

TREATMENT. — The  external  application  of  the  wet  land- 
try*;  (see  Wet  /Sheet)  will  often  be  of  service  in  relieving 
the  heat  and  pain.  The  remedies  particularly  indicated 
in  the  acute  form  of  this  disease  are  Aconite,  Belladonna, 
Mercury,  Nux,  Bi*yonia,  Chamomilla,  China,  Lachesis, 
Pulsatilla,  and  Staphysagria. 

The  chronic  form  of  this  disease  is  characterized  by 
a  class  of  symptoms  similar  to  the  acute,  although  in  a 
modified  degree.  There  is  a  continued  pain  in  the  right 
side,  occasional  cough  with  expectoration,  and  sometimes 
enlargement  of  the  liver ;  yellow  complexion,  occasional 
feverish  and  dyspeptic  symptoms,  wasting  of  flesh  and 
loss  of  strength.  The  prominent  remedies  are :  Nux- 
vom.,  and  /Sulphur,  which  are  often  given  in  alternation, 
Mercury,  Iodine,  Silicea,  Lycopodium. 

Aconite  *  is  almost  always  indicated  in  the  commence- 
ment of  the  disease.  There  is  violent  inflammatory 
fever,  shooting  pains  in  the  parts  affected,  great  restless- 
ness, moaning  and  anguish. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give 
a  dose  every  hour,  or  two  hours,  in  all  cases  gradually  increasing  the 
intervals  as  the  symptoms  abate. 

belladonna. — Congestion  of  the  head,  with  vertigo, 
fainting,  clouded  sight,  burning  thirst,  great  restlessness, 
sleepiness,  dry  cough,  shortness  of  breath ;  stinging  pain, 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    LIVER. 


aggravated  by  pressure,  inspiration,  cough,  or  by  lying 
on  the  side  affected,  sometimes  extending  to  the  shoulders 
or  neck.  Sometimes  distension  of  the  pit  of  the  stomach, 
and  tightness  across  the  abdomen  above  the  navel.  A 
prominent  remedy  in  the  acute  form  either  after  Aconite, 
or  in  alternation  with  that  remedy  or  Mercury,  and  in 
the  chronic  form,  when  the  above  symptoms  exist  in  a 
modified  state,  in  alternation  with  Bryonia,  Chamomilla, 
Pulsatilla,  Aconite,  or  Mercury. 

DOSE.  —  In  the  acute  form,  same  as  Aconite  ;  in  chronic  cases  once 
in  four  or  six  hours. 

Chamomilla,  is  a  prominent  remedy  where  the  disease 
is  occasioned  by  violent  chagrin  with  gastric  or  jaundiced 
symptoms.  It  is  also  indicated,  when  there  is  more 
anguish  than  pain,  which  is  not  increased  by  pressure, 
motion  or  breathing  ;  pressure  in  the  stomach,  tightness 
of  the  upper  part  of  the  abdomen,  oppression  of  the 
chest,  yellow  color  of  the  skin,  and  bitter  taste  in  the 
mouth. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Aconite. 

Pulsatilla  may  be  of  benefit,  if  there  should  be  green, 
slimy,  diarrhceic  stools,  or  disposition  to  vomit,  oppression 
of  the  chest,  and  the  paroxysms  of  anguish  more  fre- 
quent at  night. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Aconite,  a  dose  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Bryonia  is  an  important  remedy  where  the  inflamma- 
tion is  attended  witn  constipation  and  spasmodic  symp- 
toms of  the  chest.  It  is  of  great  value  in  all  congestive 
inflammations  with  violent  fever,  great  vascular  and 
nervous  excitement  ;  or  for  inflammations  occasioned  by 
cold  or  chagrin,  worse  at  night,  on  waking,  or  during 
motion.  It  is  particularly  useful,  when  there  is  swelling 
in  the  region  of  the  liver,  with  burning,  stinging  pain 
during  contact,  cough  or  breathing.  It  may  be  given 
alone  or  in  alternation  with  Aconite^  Belladonna^  or 
Mercury. 


116  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND    BOWELS. 

Doss. — Same  as  Aconite- 

China. — Aggravation  every  other  day,  with  shooting 
pressing  pains,  hardness  and  swelling  in  the  region  of 
the  liver  and  stomach ;  headache,  bitter  taste,  and  yellow 
tongue. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water ;  or 
six  globules  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give  morning,  noon  and  night. 

NUX. — Shooting,  pressive  pain,  with  great  sensitive- 
ness in  the  region  of  the  liver  to  the  touch ;  constipation ; 
bitter,  sour  taste,  nausea,  vomiting ;  short  breath,  head- 
ache, vertigo,  thirst,  red  urine,  and  paroxysms  of  anguish. 
Sometimes  in  alternation,  or  followed  by  Sulphur. 

DOSK  — Same  as  Aconite.     Given  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Mercurius. — Bitter  taste,  chilliness,  aching  pain  in  the 
region  of  the  stomach  and  liver,  sensitive  to  contact, 
unable  to  lie  on  the  right  side,  jaundiced  appearance  and 
frequent  paroxysms  of  anguish.  Lachesis  is  frequently 
suitable  after  or  in  alternation  with  Mercury,  particularly 
when  the  difficulty  has  been  occasioned  by  ardent  spirits. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Sulphur. — Towards  the  close  of  the  disease  or  where 
other  remedies  have  failed  in  producing  the  desired 
effect.  In  chronic  Hepatitis  it  is  often  desirable  to  alter- 
nate it  with  Nux. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

It  should  be  remembered,  that  in  administering  the 
remedies,  the  intervals  should  be  gradually  increased  as 
the  violence  of  the  symptoms  abate,  while  in  the  chronic 
forms  of  the  disease,  a  dose  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours, 
will  generally  be  sufficient. 

DIET. — Similar  to  that  in  fevers.  No  meats  or  soups, 
but  gruels,  toast,  panada  and  light  farinaceous  articles ; 
toast  water,  cold  water,  lemonade,  baked  apples,  prunes, 
sweet  oranges,  peaches,  raspberries,  strawberries,  &c., 
may  be  allowed. 


JAUNDICE. 


JAUNDICE. 

Icterus. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  this  disease ;  the  chronic, 
acute,  and  that  which  occurs  in  infancy.  It  may  con- 
tinue from  a  few  days  to  several  weeks,  but  generally 
terminates  favorably,  except  it  may  have  arisen  from 
abuse  of  Mercury,  or  in  infancy,  where  it  may  have  con- 
tinued for  some  time,  and  there  is  present  a  dark  brass 
color  of  the  skin,  distended  abdomen,  spasms,  sopor, 
putrid  vomiting,  stomach  hot  and  painful,  when  it  usu- 
ally terminates  fatally. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  is  a  suppressed  or  limited  secretion 
of  bile  in  the  liver,  and  consequently  as  we  have  ex- 
plained in  the  chapter  on  physiology,  there  is  a  yellow 
color  of  the  skin,  and  the  eyes  even  having  a  yellow 
tinge,  and  the  linen  stained  yellow  from  the  perspiration ; 
there  is  sometimes  an  appearance  of  bile  in  the  urine. 
The  taste  is  frequently  bitter,  with  inclination  to  vomit, 
or  vomiting  of  mucous  or  bilious  substance,  the  abdomen 
distended ;  sometimes  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  a 
scanty  white,  grey  or  clayey  stool.  If  there  is  fever,  the 
chilliness  is  of  short  duration,  and  the  fever  has  distinct 
remissions  in  the  morning. 

The  disease  may  be  occasioned  by  errors  in  diet,  by 
taking  cold  when  the  skin  is  covered  with  perspiration, 
by  drinking  freely  of  cold  water,  or  using  ice,  when  the 
body  is  heated,  by  abuse  of  China,  cathartics,  mercurial 
and  sulphur  ointment,  and  from  intermittent  fevers.  It 
sometimes  becomes  an  epidemic  disease  when  a  hot 
atmosphere  is  suddenly  cooled  by  a  thunder-storm. 

TREATMENT. — The  wet  bandage,  (See  Wet  SJieet]  around 
the  body,  over  the  stomach  and  liver,  as  well  as  general 
bathing,  will  be  found  of  advantage.  The  patient  should 


118  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND    BOWELS. 

be  kept  in  a  warm  and  even  temperature,  and  perspira- 
tion encouraged  as  much  as  possible. 

China  *  will  be  useful  where  there  has  been  abuse  of 
Mercury,  and  where  there  is  pressure  at  the  stomach, 
distension  of  the  abdomen,  vomiting,  diarrhoea,  and 
great  debility. 

Mcrcurius  is  indicated  after  abuse  of  China,  and  in 
tuberculous  individuals,  when  asthmatic  symptoms,  pain- 
fulness  of  the  liver,  rheumatic  pains  in  the  muscles  of 
the  chest  are  present.  It  is  generally  best  to  give  it  in 
the  commencement  of  the  disease,  a  dose  morning,  noon 
and  night. 

Sulphur. — When  occasioned  by  suppression  of  erup- 
tion, and  in  tuberculous  and  psoric  individuals,  after 
abuse  of  Mercury. 

Iodine. — There  is  a  dingy  yellow  skin,  irritable  temper, 
thick  coating  of  the  tongue,  thirst,  turns  of  nausea, 
white  diarrhceic  stools  alternating  with  constipation, 
dark,  yellow-green,  corrosive  urine.  It  is  also  indicated 
after  abuse  of  Mercury. 

Chatnomilla — When  occasioned  by  cold,  chagrin,  anger 
or  when  the  body  is  sensitive  to  the  open  air,  with  sleep- 
lessness, restlessness  during  sleep,  distention  of  the  ab- 
domen, discharge  of  undigested  food. 

Digitalis. — Particularly  indicated  when  the  whole 
skin  is  yellow ;  there  is  loathing,  empty  retching,  sensi- 
tiveness and  pressure  in  the  stomach  and  region  of  the 
liver,  distension  of  the  abdomen,  sluggish,  grey,  clayey 
or  chalky  stools,  turbid,  yellow-brown  urine. 

PulsaiUla. — After  abuse  of  China,  Chamomilla  or 
Sulphur,  and  from  overloaded  stomach.  Frightful  dreams, 
nocturnal  anguish,  sad,  whining  mood,  bitter  eructations, 
or  sour,  or  bilious  vomiting,  throbbing  in  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  difficult  stool  with  straining. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    SPLEEN.  119 

JVux-vom. — when  occasioned  by  chagrin  and  anger, 
by  abuse  of  spirits,  coffee,  tobacco,  opium,  &c.;  or  by 
sudden  change  of  temperature,  in  individuals  with  irri- 
table, melancholy,  hysteric  disposition,  or  who  are  very 
sensitive  to  the  open  air. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops  of  the  tincture,  or  twelve 
globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ; 
or  three  globules  or  a  powder  on  the  tongue ;  in  severe 
cases  give  every  three  or  four  hours,  according  to  symp- 
toms. In  slow  chronic  cases,  a  dose  morning  and  night 
will  generally  be  sufficient. 

DIET. — Food  easy  of  digestion,  fruits,  farinaceous  ar- 
ticles, &c.  Meats,  plainly  cooked,  may  be  used  judi- 
ciously, in  the  more  chronic  forms  of  the  disease. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SPLEEN. 
Splenitis.  > 

DIAGNOSIS. — Tensive,  throbbing  pains  in  the  region  ol 
the  spleen,  extending  to  the  shoulder,  oppression  ot 
breath,  constriction  of  the  stomach,  worse  on  turning  to 
the  left  side  or  during  motion;  sometimes  perceptible 
enlargement  in  the  region  of  the  spleen,  painful  when 
touched.  Oppression,  anguish,  cough,  dyspeptic  symp- 
toms, vomiting,  eructations,  &c.  There  may  be  vomiting 
of  blood  even  at  the  commencement.  The  fever  is  at- 
tended with  great  thirst,  and  is  generally  of  a  remittent 
character. 

CAUSES. — The  causes  producing  inflammation  of  the 
spleen,  are  similar  to  those  already  enumerated  under 
the  head  of  inflammation  of  the  liver.  We  may  also 
mention  the  abuse  of  quinine,  and  living  in  a  marshy 
region.  It  is  more  frequent  among  persons  of  middle 
age  and  old  people,  and  also  in  men,  than  in  women. 

TREATMENT.* — In  acute  splenitis,  accompanied  with 
much  fever,  Aconite  is  an  invaluable  remedy  and  should 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


120  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

be  given  alone  every  one  or  two  hours,  or  if  in  alterna- 
tion, with  some  other  remedy  indicated,  such  as,  Bryonia, 
Belladonna  or  China,  every  two  or  three  hours.  If  the 
pain  still  continues  after  the  fever  has  in  a  measure  sub- 
sided, the  appropriate  remedies  should  be  given. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  or 
three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue,  given  as  above  directed. 

.\nx-vom.  is  indicated,  where  there  is  a  sensation  of 
swelling,  and  increase  of  the  stinging  pain  to  contact  Or 
motion ;  nausea,  aversion  to  food,  fainting  spells,  vomit- 
ing of  blood,  pains  in  the  stomach,  retention  of  stool, 
dyspeptic  symptoms,  &c.  It  is  particularly  useful  after 
China  or  Arnica,  where  these  remedies  have  only  pro- 
duced a  temporary  amelioration,  the  constipation  and 
pressing  gastralgia  continuing  nearly  the  same. 

China  is  a  very  important  remedy  and  may  often  be 
given  at  the  very  commencement  of  the  disease  alone,  or 
in  alternation  -with  Aconite.  It  is  generally  however  given 
after  the  fever  has  been  in  a  measure  subdued  by  Aconite, 
and  where  the  frequent  vomiting  of  blood  has  produced 
great  weakness,  and  also  when  there  are  lancinating, 
tearing  pains,  with  hardness  and  painful  swelling  of  the 
spleen,  the  patient  being  unable  to  lie  on  the  affected 
side.  The  fever  is  frequently  of  an  intermittent  cha- 
racter, and  characterized,  by  dry,  burning  heat,  aversion 
to  food,  nausea  and  bitter  taste,  thirst,  and  restlessness. 

Arnica. — Generally  after  China,  when  that  is  not  quite 
sufficient ;  and  when  there  are  pressive  shooting  pains, 
typhoid  symptoms,  apathy  and  stupor. 

.  1  rwnicum — may  be  useful  after  China ;  or  where 
there  are  diarrhreic  stools  with  discharge  of  dark  coagu- 
lated blood,  burning  pain  in  the  spleen  with  anguish  and 
pulsation  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 

Bi^yonia — particularly,  if  the  constipation  and  stick- 
ing pains  continue  after  the  use  of  China,  Arnica,  and 
PulsatiUa  may  with    advantage   be  alternated 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH.          121 

with  Bryonid;  where  there  are  sticking  pains,  increased 
by  motion,  and  the  part  is  visibly  swollen. 

In  the  chronic  form  of  the  disease.  Nux^  Mercury, 
JBryonia,  Sulphur,  Calcarea,  Carb.-v.  or  Iodine  may  be 
given. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  of  the  tincture,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tum- 
bler of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose,  or  three  globules  or  a  powder, 
dry  on  the  tongue.  In  acute  cases  give  every  two  or  three  hours, 
gradually  increasing  the  intervals  as  the  symptoms  abate.  In  the 
chronic  form  of  the  disease  a  dose  may  be  taken  morning  and  night. 

DIET.—  Same  as  in  Inflammation  of  the  liver. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 
Gastritis.  * 

This  disease  is  exceedingly  painful  and  violent,  run- 
ning its  course  with  great  rapidity.  It  is  astonishing, 
when  we  consider  the  ill-treatment  the  stomach  receives 
at  our  hands,  that  it  is  not  much  oftener  affected  with 
violent  inflammation. 

DIAGNOSIS. — In  the  more  violent  forms  of  Gastritis 
there  is  a  constant  burning,  gnawing,  sticking,  constric- 
tive  pain  in  the  stomach,  occasioning  shortness  of  breath, 
and  aggravated  by  breathing,  contact  or  pressure ;  the 
desire  for  cold  drink  is  excessive,  notwithstanding,  if 
taken  even  in  the  smallest  quantity,  it  is  immediately 
vomited.  The  pulse  is  small,  wiry,  suppressed,  frequent- 
ly intermitting  ;  the  stool  and  urine  scanty  or  suppressed. 
In  the  milder  forms,  the  above  symptoms  are  present  in 
a  less  violent  degree.  The  vomiting  is  less  frequent, 
and  the  pain  less  severe.  The  position  which  the 
stomach  occupies  in  relation  to  other  parts  of  the  system 
renders  inflammation  of  that  organ  exceedingly  dan- 
gerous. It  requires  prompt  and  vigorous  treatment  to 
arrest  the  rapidity  of  its  progress.  There  is  also  in  con- 
nection with  other  symptoms  great  anxiety,  prostration, 

*  For  a  description  of  the  stomach,  see  plate  4,  and  Anatomy  and  Physiology. 

6 


122  AFFECTIONS    OF   STOMACH   AND   BOWELS. 

small,  thread-like  pulse,  cool  extremities  and  often  faint- 
ing fits  and  convulsions.  Death  may  taken  place  either 
by  gangrene  or  nervous  paralysis.  In  the  former  case, 
the  sudden  cessation  of  pain,  one  of  the  heralds  of  death, 
is  often  looked  on  by  surrounding  friends  with  joy,  as 
an  indication  of  returning  health,  but  the  accompanying 
symptoms^  the  small,  scarcely  perceptible,  remittent 
pulse,  and  coldness  of  the  extremities,  dashes  the  cup  of 
joy  to  the  earth,  and  chills  them  with  the  shadow  of 
approaching  dissolution.  The  latter  termination,  or 
" nervous  paralysis"  is  generally  accompanied  with 
spasms,  fits  of  fainting,  and  the  utmost  debility.  The 
acute  form  not  unfrequently  passes  into  chronic  inflam- 
mation, spasm  and  ulceration  of  the  stomach. 

CAUSES. — This  disease  may  be  occasioned  by  mecha- 
nical injuries,  the  introduction  into  the  stomach  of  acid 
or  corrosive  poisons,  the  use  of  cold  drinks,  when  the 
stomach  is  heated,  stoppage  of  bilious  diarrhoea,  and 
suppression  of  eruptions ;  inflammation  of  adjoining 
organs  and  metastasis  of  inflammation  of  other  organs 
to  the  stomach. 

TREATMENT.* — In  Gastritis,  occasioned  by  poisons — 
see  Poisons. 

Aconite  is  indicated  at  the  commencement  of  the 
disease,  where  there  is  violent  inflammatory  fever  and 
great  pain,  and  particularly  when  occasioned  by  chills 
or  cold  drinks. 

Ipecac. — When  vomiting  predominates  and  when  oc- 
casioned by  indigestion  or  chill,  and  when  Aconite  is 
insufficient.  The  tongue  is  clear. 

Stibiuin. — Indications  similar  to  Ipecac,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  white  or  yellow  coated  tongue. 

Bryonia. — More  particularly  after  Aconite  or  Ipecac. 

Pulsatilla. — When  caused  by  indigestion,   or  chill  in 

*  For  general  directions  as  the  administration  of  remedies,  seepage  12. 


INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    BOWELS.  123 

the  stomach  from  ice,  particularly  after  Ipecac,  or  Bry- 
onia. 

Arsenic  is  perhaps  the  most  important  remedy  in 
the  treatment  of  the  disease.  It  may  often  be  given  in 
alternation  with  Yeratrum.  There  is  a  burning  pain, 
vomiting,  rapid  prostration  of  strength,  paleness  of  the 
face  and  coldness  of  the  extremities. 

Yeratrum. — There  is  also  vomiting,  severe  pain  in  the 
stomach,  sometimes  cramps,  or  spasms,  prostration  of 
strength,  and  coldness  of  extremities. 

Hyosciajnus. — When  there  are  dropsical  sufferings,  or 
cerebral  symptoms,  with  talkative  delirium,  loss  of  con- 
sciousness or  stupor. 

Belladonna. — When  Hyosciamus  does  not  produce 
the  desired  relief. 

Opium  and  Camphor  in  alternation  where  there  is 
prostration  of  strength,  drowsiness  and  stupor. 

Nux  is  of  benefit  in  those  cases,  where  Aconite^ 
Ipecac.,  Bryonia,  or  Arsenic  may  be  indicated  and  prove 
insufficient,  particularly  in  persons  accustomed  to  ardent 
spirits. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue  ;  or  two 
drops  of  the  tincture,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 

In  the  more  violent  cases  give  every  fifteen  or  thirty 
minutes  until  relief  is  obtained,  when  the  time  can  gra- 
dually be  increased  to  one,  two,  or  three  hours,  or,  if 
after  eight  or  ten  doses,  there  is  no  change  of  symptoms, 
another  remedy  should  be  selected.  Fomentations  of 
hops  over  the  stomach,  or  the  application  of  cloths 
wrung  out  in  hop-water,  will  often  produce  a  soothing 
effect. 

DIET. — As  almost  every  thing  taken  into  the  stomach 
is  vomited,  but  very  little,  at  first  should  be  taken,  and 
that  should  be  of  the  lightest  and  simplest  character ; 
cold  water  or  toast  water,  in  small  quantities,  not  more 


124  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

than  a  tablespoonful  at  a  time  may  be  given,  and  gruels, 
as  the  symptoms  gradually  abate. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Enteritis.  * 

This  disease  like  gastritis  is  exceedingly  painful  and 
rapid  in  its  progress.  In  its  idiopathic  form  or  setting 
in  from  the  commencement  as  an  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  it  is  by  no  means  of  frequent  occurrence,  yet  as 
a  symptomatic  affection,  setting  in  during  the  progress, 
or  the  sequele  of  some  other  disease,  such  as  the  various 
forms  of  fever,  it  is  of  very  frequent  occurrence.  We  are 
apt  to  find  the  symptomatic  form  existing  to  a  greater 
or  less  degree  in  almost  every  variety  of  acute  inflam- 
mation. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Where  the  peritoneal  coat  is  the  principal 
seat  of  the  disease,  it  is  called  "  Peritonitis?  and  is  ac- 
companied in  a  greater  degree,  in  addition  to  the  usual 
teymptoms  of  enteritis,  with  high  fever,  violent  pain  and 
an  extreme  sensitiveness  of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch. 
One  variety  of  this  disease  we  shall  refer  to  under  puer- 
peral fever.  In  the  acute  form  of  enteritis,  involving 
the  sub-mucous  tissue  and  peritoneal  coat,  as  well  as 
the  mucous  membrane,  we  have  violent  burning,  cutting 
pain,  generally  in  one  spot,  especially  in  the  region  of 
the  navel,  and  gradually  extending  over  the  abdomen, 
increased  by  the  slightest  pressure  with  tightness,  heat 
and  distension  of  the  abdomen.  The  patient  lies  on  the 
back,  with  the  knees  drawn  up,  and  using  only  the 
muscles  of  the  chest  in  breathing,  avoiding,  on  account 
of  the  intense  pain,  every  motion  of  the  body.  There  is 
obstinate  constipation  ;  nausea  and  vomiting,  so  violent 
that  not  only  every  thing  taken  into  the  stomach  is 
thrown  up,  but  even  faeces ;  constant  desire  for  cold 

*  For  a  description  of  the  intestines,  tee  plate  4,  and  Anatomy. 


INFLAMMATION   OF   THE   BOWELS.  125 

water,  which,  however,  produces  aggravation  of  pain. 
The  pulse,  as  in  all  acute  abdominal  inflammations  is 
small  and  wiry,  or  weak  and  like  a  thread.  As  the  dis- 
ease advances,  there  is  hiccough,  the  pulse  heats  irregu- 
larly, the  extremities  grow  cold,  the  features  are  sharp- 
ened and  ghastly,  and  cold  sweat  breaks  out.  Delirium 
may  occur  toward  the  last,  but  generally  the  intellect 
remains  clear.  When  the  disease  ends  in  death,  similar 
symptoms  to  those  mentioned  in  gastritis  occur,  termi- 
nating in  gangrene.  The  pain  ceases,  the  pulse  becomes 
weak  and  scarcely  perceptible,  the  extremities  cold,  and 
the  impress  of  death  is  seen  stamped  in  visible  charac- 
ters on  the  face,  in  the  sharpening  features,  the  glazing 
eye  and  the  cold  breath.  The  less  acute  form  of  this 
disease,  or  that  developed  by  other  diseases,  is  not  cha- 
racterized by  the  same  violent  symptoms,  but  may  end 
in  obstinate  constipation,  perforation  of  the  intestines 
and  gangrene.  In  this  variety,  the  pain  is  more  diffuse, 
and  diarrhoea  of  a  slimy  or  bloody  character  may  also 
be  present. 

CAUSES. — It  may  arise  from  mechanical  injuries,  errors 
in  diet,  abuse  of  ardent  spirits,  the  pernicious  practice 
of  eating  chalk,  magnesia,  &c. ;  from  cold,  suppressed 
eruption,  drastic  cathartics,  worms,  parturition,  and  in 
connection  with  other  diseases  such  as  the  malignant 
fevers. 

TREATMENT. — The  utmost  quiet  is  of  course  essential, 
and  in  those  cases  where  the  patient  can  not  bear  the 
lightest  pressure  on  the  abdomen,  it  may  be  protected 
from  the  weight  of  the  bed-clothes  by  a  light  frame- 
work not  allowing  the  clothes  to  touch  the  skin.  A  warm 
bath,  if  the  patient  is  able  to  bear  it,  or  sponging  the 
abdomen  with  hop-water,  will  be  found  advantageous. 
The  obstinate  constipation  being  occasioned  by  inflam- 
mation, will  not  be  relieved  by  the  most  violent  cathar- 


126  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

tics,  and  when  that  inflammation  subsides,  the  consti- 
pation ceases  or  is  readily  controlled. 

Aconite  should  commence  the  treatment  as  directed 
in  gastritis,  and  be  continued  so  long  as  the  fever  is  in- 
tense, the  skin  hot  and  parched. 

Arsenicitm  is  a  prominent  remedy  in  the  severe  forms 
of  this  disease ;  there  is  prostration  of  strength,  intense 
burning  pain.  It  may  be  given  either  alone  or  in  alter- 
nation with  Veratrum.  For  particular  indications,  see 
Gastritis.  It  is  also  a  prominent  remedy  in  the  less 
acute  forms  of  the  disease,  where  there  is  burning  heat, 
thirst,  increase  of  pain  after  cold  drink,  nausea,  fetid 
diarrhoea,  and  extreme  debility. 

Belladonna, — Red  and  smooth  tongue,  or  coated  in 
the  centre  with  red  tip  and  margin  ;  dry  and  hot  skin, 
thirst,  delirium,  particularly  at  night ;  sensation  of  sore- 
ness in  the  abdomen,  with  tenderness  on  pressure. 
Belladonna  is  a  prominent  remedy  in  the  severe  forms 
of  this  disease,  and  is  very  often  indicated  in  alternation 
with  Mercurius. 

DOSK. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  of  the  above  remedies  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  six  globules  dry 
on  the  tongue.  Give  every  one  or  two  hours. 

Merciirim. — The  tongue  is  foul,  coated  white  or  brown ; 
dry  or  covered  with  thick  mucus ;  great  thirst,  abdomen 
tender  to  the  touch,  hard  and  distended ;  watery,  bilious, 
and  offensive  stools ;  urging  to  stool,  followed  by  severe 
straining  and  the  passage  of  blood.  There  may  be 
prostration  of  strength,  chilliness,  and  disposition  to 
perspire  during  the  night 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Nitric  acid  is  serviceable  where  Mercury  has  proved 
insufficient,  particularly  in  chronic  cases,  where  there 
is  tenderness  and  tenesmus,  especially  where  the  disease 
occurs  in  those  persons  who  have  taken  large  quantities 
of  calomel. 


INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    BOWELS.  127 

DOSE. — Two  drops  of  the  first  dilution,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

Opium  and  Plumbum  are  the  prominent  remedies 
where  there  is  vomiting  of  feces,  spasmodic  pain  about 
the  stomach  or  abdomen. 

DOSE. — Of  the  former  one  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler 
of  water  :  of  the  latter  a  powder,  or  three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue. 
Give  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Nux-v. — There  is  soreness  with  burning  heat  in  the 
abdomen,  loss  of  appetite,  vomiting  of  food,  pain  on 
drinking,  constipation,  flatulence,  or  watery  or  bloody 
stools  with  straining.  Sulphur  is  frequently  indicated  in 
alternation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  four,  six  or  twelve  hours. 

Cantharides. — In  severe  cases  where  there  is  a  dis- 
charge of  pure  blood  and  an  inability  to  pass  urine,  also 
in  the  advanced  state  of  this  disease.*  See  also  Dysentery. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tablespoonful  of  water, 
every  three  hours,  until  the  severity  of  the  symptoms  have  subsided. 

Veratrum — may  follow  Arsenicum,  especially  when 
there  is  coldness  of  the  extremities ;  great  prostration, 
severe  burning  about  the  navel,  nausea  and  vomiting. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  every  hour,  unless  in  alternation  with  Arsenicum  and 
then  every  two  hours. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  enumerated,  Bryon.ia, 
Colocynth,  Chamomilla,  Pulsatilla,  China,  Bhus,  Phos- 
phorus may  also  be  consulted.  As  the  more  common 
forms  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels  occur  in  connection 
with  other  diseases,  the  particular  indications  of  many 
of  the  remedies  will  be  given  when  speaking  of  those 
diseases.  Consult  Worms,  Gastritis,  Hepatitis,  Diarrhcea, 
Dysentery,  Colic. 

DIET.— Same  as  in 


128  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhoea  is  generally  a  symptom  of,  or  is  developed 
in  connection  with,  some  other  disease.  It  may  at  times 
be  looked  upon  as  a  dangerous  and  even  alarming 
symptom,  and  again  as  the  precursor  of  returning  health, 
the  welcome  indication  that  the  crisis  is  favorable,  and 
that  the  disease  is  leaving  the  system.  The  favorable 
crisis  of  a  disease  not  unfrequently  shows  itself  in  a 
diarrhoea.  This  diarrhoea  is  an  indication  that  nature 
is  reacting,  bursting  the  fetters  of  disease,  which  have 
hitherto  bound  it,  preventing  its  free  action,  and  is  re- 
turning to  a  healthy  equilibrium.  In  these  cases  no 
particular  treatment  is  necessary. 

Another  form  of  diarrhoea  mentioned  above,,  and  by 
far  the  most  commqn,  is  that  which  is  developed  in  con- 
nection with  some  other  disease.  In  these  cases  it  is 
generally  an  unpleasant,  and  not  unfrequently  an  alarm- 
ing symptom,  as  in  consumption,  typhoid  fever,  &c., 
where  the  powers  of  nature  are  rapidly  prostrated. 
There  is  no  difficulty  in  distinguishing  between  the 
favorable  diarrhoea  of  the  crisis,  and  the  unfavorable 
one  of  disease.  In  the  former  case,  there  is  a  percep- 
tible amelioration  of  severe  symptoms,  the  fever  is  sen- 
sibly diminished,  and  the  pulse  becomes  more  slow,  soft 
and  full,  while  in  the  latter  case  the  pulse  becomes 
weaker,  the  system  more  prostrated,  or  at  any  rate 
there  are  no  ameliorating  symptoms. 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  refer  to  the  treatment  of 
this  variety  here,  as  it  forms  only  one  of  a  group  of 
symptoms  in  other  diseases,  and  will  be  treated  in  con- 
nection with  those  diseases,  under  their  appropriate 
heads. 

It  remains  then  in  this  place  only  for  us  to  speak  of 
diarrhoea,  when  it  occurs  as  a  primary  affection.  In 


DIARRHOEA.  129 


its  duration,  it  may  vary  from  a  day  to  several  days  or 
even  weeks,  often  running  into  a  chronic  form  lasting 
for  months  or  years.  The  peculiar  symptoms  are  familiar 
to  all.  The  attack  is  sometimes  preceded  by  precursory 
symptoms  of  a  gastric  affection,  and  is  ushered  in  by  an 
increased  and  more  frequent  discharge  from  the  bowels, 
the  color  varying  more  or  less  from  the  natural. 

There  are  often  nausea,  flatulence,  griping  pain  in 
the  bowels,  succeeded  by  stools  of  a  fluid,  watery,  bilious, 
mucous,  or  bloody  consistency.  The  tongue .  may  also 
be  furred  and  the  breath  foul,  but  in  simple  diarrhoea, 
there  is  generally  but  little,  if  any  fever. 

Diarrhoea  sometimes,  as  in  bilious  difficulties,  and 
where  it  arises  from  indigestion  or  dissipation,  may  be 
highly  beneficial,  being  the  effort  of  nature  to  throw  off 
those  indigestible  and  irritating  substances,  which  un- 
less expelled  in  this  manner,  might  create  violent  fever 
and  serious  disturbances.  It  may  again  be  the  result  of 
cold,  occasioned  by  dampness  or  changes  of  temperature, 
impurities  of  the  air  and  impure  food,  or  the  effect  of 
the  mind  on  the  body,  the  prostration  of  fear,  or  the 
violent  excitement  of  anger.  The  bowels,  as  well  as  the 
stomach,  sympathize  with  almost  every  organ  in  the 
body,  and  give  indications  of  uneasiness,  when  those 
organs  are  deranged. 

Diarrhoea  is  of  itself  indicative  of  some  disturbed 
action  about  the  bowels,  and  when  this  disturbance  is 
of  such  a  character,  as  to  need  medicine  to  relieve  it, 
the  remedy  should  be  directed  so  as  to  remove  irritation, 
restore  the  proper  tone  to  the  bowels  and  cause  them 
to  act  in  obedience  with  nature.  Much  harm  is  often 
done  by  suddenly  suppressing  a  diarrhoea,  by  means  of 
brandy,  opium,  and  the  general  class  of  astringents. 
The  disease  is  not  removed  any  more,  than  is  a  putrid 
sore,  which  is  covered  with  a  plaster ;  it  may  be  con- 
6* 


130  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND    BOWELS. 

cealed  from  sight,  but  the  irritating  cause  is  still  un- 
touched. 

TREATMENT. — Diarrhoea  is  sometimes  occasioned  by 
the  presence  of  undigested  food  in  the  intestinal  canal 
In  these  cases  a  light  cathartic,  such  as  a  dose  of  castor- 
oil  will  be  of  essential  service  in  removing  the  irritating 
cause  and  prepare  the  way  for  other  remedies.  In  the 
bilious  diarrhoeas  of  summer  and  autumn  when  the 
stools  are  dark  or  frothy,  a  little  sweet  bottled  cider  of 
claret  and  water,  sipped  a  few  spoonfuls  at  a  time,  at  in- 
tervals of  two  or  three  hours,  will  be  of  great  service. 

Dulcamara — is  the  prominent  remedy  in  diarrhoea 
occasioned  by  cold,  particularly  in  the  summer  and  fall, 
and  where  the  evacuations  are  of  a  green,  yellow  slimy 
or  sour  character,  occurring  particularly  at  night,  pre- 
ceded by  colic  and  followed  by  debility ;  there  may 
also  be  nausea,  retching,  restlessness,  thirst  and  griping 
or  lancinating  pain  in  the  bowels. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  six  globules  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give 
every  three,  four  or  six  hours. 

.  //  ina — if  the  diarrhoea  is  of  a  debilitating  kind,  oc- 
curring particularly  after  eating  or  in  the  night,  and 
containing  undigested  food. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Dulcamara.     Give  morning,  noon  and  night. 

jBryonia. — When  occasioned  by  the  heat  of  summer, 
or  when  caused  by  cold,  as  drinking  cold  water,  or  when 
occasioned  by  vexation  or  passion,  particularly  if  rheu- 
matic symptoms  are  present.  The  evacuations  may  be 
almost  involuntary,  have  a  fetid  smell,  and  be  accom- 
panied with  flatulence  or  fermentation. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Dulcamara.     Give  every  four  or  six  hours. 

ChamomiUa. — Slimy,  bilious,  or  watery  diarrhoea  of  a 
yellowish  or  greenish  color,  resembling  chopped  eggs ; 
there  is  thirst,  tearing  colic,  griping  and  fullness  in  the 
pit  of  the  stomach  ;  the  abdomen  is  hard  and  distended, 


DIARRHCEA.  131 


the  evacuations  frequent  and  sometimes  attended  with 
nausea  or  bilious  vomiting.  It  is  a  prominent  remedy 
in  diarrhoaa  during  dentition,  and  is  often  accompanied 
with  cries,  restlessness,  and  anguish.  (See  diseases  of 
children.) 

DOSE. — Same  as  Dulcamara.     Give  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Ipecac. — Watery  diarrhoea,  of  a  slimy,  yellowish,  or 
greenish  character,  with  nausea,  or  vomiting  of  watery 
or  green  mucus ;  or  putrid,  bloody  or  slimy,  with  white 
flakes  and  tenesmus  (see  dysentery)  ;  tearing  colic,  with 
restlessness,  cries  and  tossing.  Particularly  useful  in 
children.  (See  Cholera  Infantum.) 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  two,  three,  or  four 
hours,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  symptoms. 

Pulsatilla. — Particularly  in  diarrhoea  from  disordered 
stomach,  or  indigestion,  and  when  there  ate  watery,  bi- 
lious or  slimy  evacuations  ;  tongue  coated  white,  nausea, 
or  slimy,  bitter  vomiting,  colic  and  cuttings,  especially 
at  night;  sometimes  the  evacuations  are  mixed  with 
blood  or  change  their  color  to  yellow,  white  or  green. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a 
dose  ;  or  three  globules  on  the  tongue.  Give  every  three  or  four  houis. 

Hhcum. — A  prominent  remedy  when  the  evacuations 
have  a  sour  smell,  are  of  a  liquid,  slimy,  fermented  or 
greenish  character,  accompanied  with  colic,  frequent  in- 
effectual efforts  to  evacuate,  and  tenesmus,  or  profuse 
evacuation  with  vomiting ;  restlessness,  anguish,  and 
cries.  A  prominent  remedy  in  children  (see  diseases  of 
children).  Chamomilla  is  often  suitable  after  it. 

DOSE. — Some  as  Pulsatilla. 

Mercury. — Particularly  when  there  is  danger  of  its 
assuming  a  dysenteric  form,  and  where  the  stools  are 
watery,  slimy,  or  bilious,  or  of  a  bloody  or  greenish  cha- 
racter, preceded  by  colic  and  griping,  and  followed  by 


132  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

tenesmus  and  straining  ;  there  may  also  be  nausea,  shi- 
vering and  shuddering. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  three  hours. 

Colocynth. — Watery  or  bilious  diarrhoea  with  violent 
griping  colic,  particularly  when  caused  by  vexation  or 
passion ;  where  Chamomilla  has  not  produced  relief. 

Arsenic. — Burning  evacuations  of  a  watery,  slimy, 
putrid  or  brownish  character,  with  burning,  griping  or 
tearing  pains  in  the  abdomen,  especially  after  midnight ; 
thirst,  nausea,  or  vomiting ;  emaciation  and  weakness  ; 
hollow  eyes,  pale  cheeks.  Coldness  of  the  extremities, 
colic  pains,  distension  of  the  abdomen,  in  alternation 
with  Veratrum. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules  every  hour  until  a  change. 

Ferrum. — Painless  evacuations,  especially  at  night, 
or  after  eating  or  drinking ;  thirst,  emaciation,  pain  in 
the  stomach,  back  and  anus. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  morning,  noon  and  night. 

Sulphur. — In  those  obstinate  cases,  where  other  reme- 
dies seem  to  have  failed,  and  particularly  where  the 
evacuations  occur  at  night, — with  colic,  tenesmus,  short- 
ness of  breath, — of  a  slimy,  watery,  frothy,  putrid,  bloody 
or  sour  character ;  easily  renewed  on  taking  cold. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  four  or  six  hours. 

Secale. — Where  the  evacuations  are  painless  and  are 
expelled  with  great  violence,  often  involuntarily  and 
without  premonitory  symptoms,  and  followed  by  weak- 
ness. 

DOSE. — Three  globules,  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Carbo-veg. — Diarrhoea  of  a  putrid,  fetid  smell,  or  in 
wet  weather,  after  taking  cold.  (See  also  Cholera.) 

DOSE. — A  pt>wder,  or  six  globules,  every  four  hours. 

Ignatia. — Diarrhoea  with  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  oc- 
casioned by  grief. 

DOSE. — One  drop  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  once  in 
two  hours ;  or  three  globules  dry  on  the  tongue  at  the  same  inter- 
vals. 


DIARRHCEA.  133 


Nux-vom. — Scanty  evacuations  with  griping  pain, 
colic  and  tenesmus. 

Phosphorus. — I  have  found  this  a  highly  valuable  re- 
medy in  chronic  diarrhoea  with  painless  evacuations, 
debility  and  emaciation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  six  hours- 

Belladonna. — Small  stools  with  bearing  down  pain, 
flushed  face,  and  cpngested  feeling  in  the  head. 

Veratrum. — Diarrhoea  with  symptoms  resembling  cho- 
lera (which  see),  or  where  there  are  cutting,  griping 
pains,  and  debility.  These  symptoms  we  frequently  see 
during  the  diarrhoea,  developed  in  fevers. 

In  classifying  some  of  the  various  remedies,  we  find 
where  Diarrhoea  occurs  without  pain,  Fer.,  Chin.,  Phos., 
Secale  are  particularly  indicated. 

Diarrhoea  with  Colic :  Coloc.,  Merc.,  Nux-v.,  Charn^ 
Bry.,  Ars.,  Sylph.,  Puls.,  Rheum. 

With  Tenesmus'.  Ars.,  Ipecac.,  Merc*,  Nux-v^  Bell^ 
Sulph. 

With  vomiting:  Ars^  Ipecac.,  Verat.,  Puls. 

With  prostration  of  strength:  Ars.,  Chin.,  Vcrat., 
Phos.,  Sec. 

Chronic  diarrhoea :  Cole.,  Fer.,  Phos^  Chin.,  Nit.-ac^ 
Sulph. 

In  consequence  of  an  eruption :  Ars^  Chin^  Sulph., 
Merc.,  Pulsatilla. 

In  aged  persons :  Secale,  Phos^  Bryonia. 

In  tuberculous  persons :  Iodine,  Calc^  Sep^  Sil^  Sulph., 
Phosphorus. 

From  taking  cold :  Dulc.,  Chamomilla. 

From  cold  drinks :  Ars.,  Carb.-v.,  Puls.     . 

From  sudden  emotion — joy;  Coff.,  Aeon*,  Pulsatilla- 
— Fright:  Cham.,  Veratrum. — Grief:  Phos.-ac.,  Ignatia 
— Disappointment  or  anger :  Cham,.,  Coloc.,  JVusc-vom. 

The  result  of  indigestion :  Ant^  Coff.,  Ipecac^  Nux,  or 
Pulsatilla. 


134  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH   AND   BOWELS. 

The  result  of  a  debauch :  Carb.-v.,  Nux-v.  Of  milk : 
Bryonia,)  Sulphur.  Of  fruit:  Ars.,  Chin.,  Pulsatilla. 

Abuse  of  medicinal  substances :  Mercury,  Hep.-s., 
Carb.-v.,  Chin.,  Nit.-ac.  Of  magnesia:  Puls.,  Rheum. 
Of  tobacco :  Cham.,  Pulsatilla. 

For  more  minute  classification  and  special  indications, 
see  Materia  Medici  and  symptomatic  index.  In  chronic 
cases  a  dose  of  the  remedy  morning  and  evening  will  be 
sufficient. 

DIET. — Rest  is  advisable,  particularly  in  severe  cases. 
Fruits  and  acidulated  drinks  should  be  avoided,  and  the 
diet  consist  of  light  unirritating  food,  such  as  salep,  farina, 
gruel,  arrow-root,  &c.  In  chronic  cases  the  food  may  be 
nourishing,  yet  easy  of  digestion. 

DYSENTERY. 

Bloody  Flux. 

This  disease  is  intensely  painful  and  requires  prompt 
and  vigorous  treatment  to  prevent  its  assuming  a  highly 
dangerous  form.  The  suffering  has  often  been  repre- 
sented as  similar  to  that  endured  by  the  mother  in  child- 
birth. It  is  generally  attended  with  fever,  sometimes 
accompanied  with  thirst,  headache,  nausea  and  vomiting. 
The  dysenteric  attack  may  be  preceded  by  diarrhoea  or 
rheumatic  symptoms,  or  from  the  commencement  assume 
the  form  of  a  decided  dysentery.  It  cannot  be  looked 
upon  as  a  diarrhoea,  from  which  it  may  readily  be  dis- 
tinguished, but  it  is  essentially  an  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  membrane  of  a  certain  portion  of  the  intestine. 
No  faoces  are  discharged,  but  mucous  or  bloody  stools, 
accompanied  with.straining  and  tenesmus,  and  generally 
preceded  by*severe  griping  pain  in  the  bowels.  The  ap- 
pearance of  ftuces,  though  they  may  be  mixed  with  blood, 
indicates  that  the  inflammation  is  subsiding,  reaction 
taking  place,  and  that  the  patient  is  decidedly  advancing 
towards  convalescence.  The  discharges  at  first,  may  be 


DYSENTERY.  135 


of  a  whitish  or  jelly-like  mucus,  resembling  the  scraping 
of  the  intestines,  (called  Dysenteria  alba  or  white  dysen- 
tery) speedily  followed  by  the  "bloody  flux  or  red  dysen- 
tery of  a  mucous  and  bloody  character,  from  the  inflamed 
surface  of  the  intestines,  mixed  with  membranous  shreds, 
and  morsels  that  resemble  flesh.  The  evacuations  may 
vary  in  color,  green,  black,  and  reddish,  like  the  washings 
of  meat  and  very  fetid.  During  this  state  there  is  of 
course  a  continuance  of  febrile  symptoms,  great  restless- 
ness and  intense  anguish. 

The  disease  may  terminate  in  mortification  and  ex- 
haustion, in  a  chronic  dysentery,  or  in  health. 

Dysenteries  are  particularly  violent  in  warm  climates, 
sometimes  developed  in  severe  epidemics,  not  only  there? 
but  generally  in  a  less  violent  degree,  in  our  more  tem- 
perate regions.  It  is  the  pest  and  scourge  of  the  army, 
exposed  as  the  soldiers  are  to  every  variety  of  hardship, 
to-day  engaged  in  the  fierce  strife  of  battle,  and  to-night 
sleeping  perhaps  on  the  cold  damp  ground,  with  the  rain 
pouring  in  torrents  upon  them.  In  two  years  and  a  half 
the  British  army  lost  in  Spain  nearly  5000  men  by  this 
disease.  Hundreds  of  our  own  army,  during  the  cam- 
paign in  Mexico,  died  with  it.  or  returned  home  only  to 
lay  their  bones  among  their  kindred.  It  may  be  caused 
by  indigestible  food,  errors  in  diet,  and  tainted  or  impure 
food,  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors,  and  by  taking  cold,  par- 
ticularly when  the  perspiration  is  suddenly  suppressed. 
Unripe  or  decayed  fruit  is  also  injurious,  but  fruit  per- 
fectly ripe  and  fresh  may  be  eaten  with  safety.  The 
disease  is  more  liable  to  occur  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
summer,  autumn,  and  fall,  and  is  particularly  severe  in 
damp  miasmatic  and  marshy  districts. 

TREATMENT. — To  those  of  us,  who  have  formerly  been 
Allopathic  physicians,  it  is  refreshing  to  contrast  our 
present  treatment  of  this  disease  with  our  old  practice, 
and  if  it  is  pleasant  to  us,  it  is  much  more  so  to  the  pa- 


136  AFFECTIONS    OF   STOMACH  AND   BOWELS. 

tient.  Under  the  homoeopathic  treatment  a  death  by 
dysentery  when  taken  in  time  is  exceedingly  rare,  while 
in  other  treatments  it  is  an  every-day  occurrence.  We 
have  seen  in  this  disease,  that  the  mucous  membrane  of 
the  intestines  is  highly  inflamed,  often  coming  away  in 
shreds,  while  from  the  highly  inflamed  and  irritated  sur- 
face blood  is  freely  discharged.  The  great  object  is  of 
course  to  relieve  this  irritation  and  re-establish  a  natural 
and  healthy  action.  How  is  this  to  be  done  ?  An  Allo- 
path would  pour  into  those  irritated,  inflamed  and  bleed- 
ing bowels,  cathartics,  mercury,  castor-oil,  opium,  astrin- 
gents, such  as  sugar  of  lead,  &c.  And  as  they  pride  them- 
selves on  appreciable  doses,  the  dose  would  consist'of  a 
considerable  amount  of  the  drug.  A  Homoeopath,  by 
remedies  acting  gently,  in  obedience  to  a  fixed  law,  would 
remove  the  febrile  irritation,  control  the  spasms  and 
severe  distress,  as  we  shall  hereafter  show,  gently,  yet 
quickly  and  effectually. 

The  prominent  remedies  are ;  Aconite,  JBryonia,  Bella- 
donna, Rhus,  Mercurius,  Colocynth,  Ipecac.,  NUM.,  Sul- 
phur,  Carb.-v.,  Nit.-ac.,  Plumbum,  Pulsatilla 

As  a  general  thing  when  we  have  any  reason  to  sup- 
pose undigested  food  may  have  passed  into  the  intestinal 
sanal,  it  is  best  to  commence  the  treatment  with  a  small 
dose  of  Castor-oil  and  then  proceed  with  the  appropriate 
remedies. 

Aconite*  is  indicated  particularly  in  the  commence- 
ment, where  there  is  fever,  shivering,  heat  and  thirst, 
and  in  dysentery,  during  warm  weather  with  cold  nights; 
attended  with  rheumatic  pains  in  the  head,  neck  and 
shoulder. 

In  the  early  stage  of  the  disease,  Aconite  will  often  be 
sufficient  to  break  up  the  attack. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


DYSENTERY.  137 


Aloes. — Violent  evacuations  with  bloody  stool,  colic, 
heat  in  the  rectum,  tenesmus,  and  faintness,  when  at 
stool. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  three  hours. 

Belladonna. — After,  or  in  alternation  with  Aconite, 
where,  in  addition  to  the  febrile  symptoms,  the  exacerba- 
tion comes  on  in  the  afternoon,  the  patient  is  restless, 
the  face  red,  the  head  hot;  colicky,  or  cutting  burning 
pain,  constant  urging  to  stool,  and  discharge  of  bloody 
mucus. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Mercury  is  one  of  the  most  important  remedies  in  the 
treatment  of  this  disease.  Violent  tenesmus,  straining 
before  and  after  the  evacuation,  as  if  the  intestines  would 
be  jerked  out,  which  only  produces  a  passage  of  blood, 
or  of  blood  mixed  with  a  substance  resembling  chopped 
eggs.  During  the  evacuation,  colic,  nausea,  and  shiver- 
ing. 

Colocynth  is  second  only  to  Mercurius  in  the  treatment 
of  most  forms  of  dysentery.  The  prominent  symptoms 
are  bloody  stools,  fullness  and  pressure  in  the  abdomen, 
and  particularly,  severe  griping  colic,  so  violent  as  to 
cause  the  patient  to  bend  double.  In  most  forms  of 
dysentery,  where  Mercury  is  required,  I  have  found  the 
griping  colic  also  present  indicating  Culocynth.  In  these 
cases  I  have  generally  given  them  in  alternation,  two  or 
three  hours  apart,  or  even  at  shorter  intervals,  if  the 
symptoms  are  very  violent. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  of  the  Mercury  may  be  given, 
and  one  drop,  or  twelve  globules  of  Colocynth,  mixed  in  a  tumbler  of 
water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose,  given  as  directed  above.  These  re- 
medies, if  their  good  effect  seem  to  cease,  may  be  followed  by  two  or 
three  doses  of  Colchicum  with  advantage. 

Ipecac. — A  very  important  remedy,  particularly  in  the 
dysenteries  of  autumn  and  after  Aconite;  or  when  there 
is  nausea,  violent  tenesmus  and  colic,  stools,  first  of  a 
slimy,  then  a  bloody  mucus.  It  may  sometimes  be  indi- 


138  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

cated  in  alternation  with  or  followed  by  Colocyidh  or 
Merc  in  i/. 

DOSE. — One  drop  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ; 
or  a  powder,  or  six  globules^  dry  on  the  tongue.  Give  every  two  or 
three  hours. 

Arsenic. — The  indications  for  this  remedy  are  similar 
to  those  of  Ctirb.-veg ,  with  which  it  is  generally  best  to 
alternate.  There  is  burning  pain  in  evacuating  the 
bowels,  rapid  prostration,  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
cold  breath,  putrid  and  offensive  discharge  of  urine  and 
fseces,  often  involuntary. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  hours. 

China  is  useful  where  the  disease  occurs  in  marshy 
countries,  and  where  the  sinking  putrid  symptoms  still 
continue  after  the  use  of  Arsenic  and  Carb.-v. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every 
four  hours. 

Nux.-w. — Small,  frequent  evacuations,  of  bloody  slime, 
with  tenesmus,  violent  cutting  about  the  umbilical  region, 
heat  and  thirst.  Particularly  useful  when  brought  on 
by  the  heat  of  summer,  or  when  Arsenic  only  aggravates 
the  putrid  smell  of  the  evacuations. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenic. 

Pulaatilla. — Mucus  streaked  with  blood,  nausea,  vomit- 
ing of  mucus,  shivering  and  cutting  in  the  bowels. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Nitric-acid. — Constant  pressing  in  the  rectum  without 
evacuation,  or  evacuation  of  mucus  after  which  tenesmus 
continues,  followed  by  tensive  pressure  in  the  head,  heat, 
thirst,  and  intermittent  pulse. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

J'lumbum. — I  have  found  this  a  valuable  remedy  in 
.those  very  violent  cases  not  relieved  by  Mercury  and 
////  Ik.  Nothing  but  blood  is  passed,  the  pain  is  in- 
tense, and  the  tenesmus  continues  even  after  the  stool. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  three  hours. 

Bryonia  and  lihus  deserve  attention  when  the  disease 


CHOLERA    MOEBUS.  139 

occurs  during  the  heat  of  summer,  and  is  occasioned  by 
a  chill,  or  accompanied  with  rheumatic  pain.  (See  Diar- 
rhoea.) 

Sulphur. — After  other  remedies  have  failed,  Sulphur 
often  removes  the  disease,  or  arouses  the  system,  so  that 
it  is  more  susceptible  to  the  action  of  other  remedies. 

DOSE — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  given  every  three 
hours  until  three  doses  have  been  taken. 

DIET. — The  patient  should  keep  in  a  reclining  posture 
in  the  bed,  and  when  the  disease  is  violent  use  the  bed- 
pan instead  of  getting  up.  The  drink  should  consist  of 
cold  water,  toast-water,  rice,  coffee,  black  tea ;  and  the 
food,  of  toast  softened  in  tea,  or  water,  salep,  arrow-root, 
farina,  &c.  All  kinds  of  animal  food  and  wines  should 
of  course  be  avoided  even  during  the  early  period  of 
convalescence. 

CHOLERA  MORBUS. 

The  sporadic  or  bilious  cholera,  known  as  Cholera  Mor- 
Tnis*  differs  materially  from  that  fearful  pestilence  Epi- 
demic or  Asiatic  Cholera,  notwithstanding  there  is  some- 
thing of  a  resemblance  in  appearance.  It  occurs  princi- 
pally in  the  summer  and  autumn,  and  is  common  in  all 
parts  of  the  country. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  attack  may  be  preceded  by  the  ordi- 
nary symptoms  of  bilious  derangement,  such  as,  languor, 
nausea,  oppression  about  the  stomach,  colicky  pains,  &c. 
More  frequently,  and  as  a  general  rule,  it  comes  on  sud- 
denly, without  any  precursory  symptoms.  There  is  nau- 
sea, sudden  and  repeated  vomiting,  with  a  violent  diar- 
rhoea, first  of  fasces,  then  of  a  watery,  bilious  fermenting 
liquid,  accompanied  with  tenesmus,  violent  burning,  cut- 
ting, griping  colic,  particularly  about  the  navel.  The 
vomiting  consists  at  first  of  the  contents  of  the  stomach, 
but  at  length  a  watery,  slimy,  or  bilious  fluid  is  dis- 
charged in  larger  or  smaller  quantities.  Even  after  the 


140  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

vomiting  has  ceased,  painful  retching  and  gagging  may 
continue.  In  violent  cases,  if  the  disease  is  not  promptly 
checked,  there  may  be  a  rapid  prostration  of  strength, 
cold  sweat,  pale  and  haggard  face,  spasmodic  and  scarcely 
perceptible  pulse  and  convulsions. 

CAUSES. — Taking  cold  suddenly  in  hot  weather,  intense 
heat  long  continued,  violent  emotions,  unripe  fruit,  acrid, 
non-fermenting  drinks,  fat,  rancid  food,  powerful  cathar- 
tics, suppressed  menstruation,  gout  or  cutaneous  erup- 
tions. 

TREATMENT.* — The  principal  remedies  in  the  treatment 
of  this  disease  are :  Ipecac.,  Ghamomilla,  Arsenic,  Colo- 
cynth,  Veratrum,  China,  Dulcamara,  Pulsatilla.  The 
precursory  symptoms,  if  there  are  any,  will  generally 
yield  to  one  or  two  doses  of  Chamorriilla.  Should  how- 
ever nausea  and  vomiting  with  diarrhoea  exist,  a  dose  of 
Ipecac,  repeated  every  hour  or  two,  will  be  indicated.  If 
these  do  not  relieve  in  four  or  five  hours,  or  the  attack 
becomes  fully  developed,  other  remedies  should  be  con- 
sulted, as  Vcratrum,  Colocynth,  &c. 

PARTICULAR  INDICATION. 

Chamomilla. — When  the  attack  is  occasioned  by  a  chill 
or  fit  of  passion,  and  where  there  is  yellow-coated  tongue, 
bilious  diarrhoea,  cramps  in  the  calves  of  the  legs,  colic 
pains,  or  pressure  about  the  navel. 

Ipecac,  is  an  important  remedy,  particularly  in  the 
commencement  of  the  disease,  when  the  vomiting  seems 
to  predominate. 

I  i-atntm. — If,  notwithstanding  the  use  of  the  pre- 
ceding remedies  the  disease  becomes  fully  developed, 
this  is  a  most  important  remedy.  The  vomiting  and 
diarrhoea  are  very  violent,  the  countenance  is  pale  and 
expressive  of  deep  surFering,  the  abdomen  is  tender  to 
the  touch ;  excruciating  pains  in  the  region  of  the  navel, 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


CHOLERA    MORBUS.  141 


cramps  in  the  calves  of  the  legs  and  fingers,  coldness  of 
the  breath  and  extremities,  and  rapid  prostration  of 
strength.  It  alternates  well  with  Ipecac. 

Colocynth  is  also  an  important  remedy  and  is  indi- 
cated by  violent  griping  colic,  bilious  vomiting,  green, 
bilious  or  watery  diarrhoea. 

Arsenic. — Rapid  prostration  of  strength,  violent  and 
painful  vomiting,  diarrhoea  almost  constant,  small,  weak, 
intermittent  pulse,  spasms  in  the  fingers  and  toes,  clammy 
perspiration,  burning  sensation  in  the  region  of  the  sto- 
mach, &c. 

Dulcamara. — Caused  by  changes  of  the  temperature, 
iced  drinks,  &c.;  griping  or  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels, 
greenish  diarrhoea  and  bilious  vomiting. 

PulsatiUa. — In  mild  cases,  where  there  is  mucous 
diarrhoea,  and  where  the  attack  was  caused  by  indigest- 
ible food. 

China. — When  the  disease  was  occasioned  by  indigest- 
ible substances,  unripe  fruit,  and  where  it  occurs  in 
marshy  districts.  There  is  prostration,  vomiting,  pres- 
sure about  the  abdomen,  and  brownish  evacuations,  con- 
taining indigestible  food. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  may  be  mixed  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a 
tablespoonful  taken  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder  or  six  globules  may  be 
taken  on  the  tongue.  In  violent  cases,  a  dose  may  be  given  every 
twenty  or  thirty  minutes,  until  three  or  four  doses  have  been  taken, 
when,  if  indicated,  other  remedies  may  be  selected,  or  those  given  in 
longer  intervals,  varying  from  one  to  three  hours. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  patient  should  be  kept  warm 
by  means  of  blankets,  bottles  filled  with  warm  water 
should  also  be  applied  to  the  feet,  and  in  violent  cases 
dry  hot  cloths,  or  a  mustard  poultice,  may  be  applied 
over  the  stomach.  The  drink  should  consist  of  cold 
water,  and  the  food  of  gruels. 


14:2  AFFECTIONS   OF   STOMACH   AND   BOWELS. 


ASIATIC    CHOLE  R  A. 
Epidemic  Cholera. 

We  proceed  now  to  the  investigation  of  one  of  the 
most  fearful  diseases  which  has  ever  ravaged  the  earth. 
Confined  to  no  nation  and  no  clime,  the  breath  of  this 
pestilence  has  sped  on  its  mission  of  death  from  land  to 
land  and  from  nation  to  nation,  numbering  its  victims 
by  thousands.  In  the  East  Indies,  and  the  southern  por- 
tions of  Asia,  along  the  banks  of  their  mighty  rivers,  in 
their  crowded  cities,  and  valleys  teeming  with  the  rich 
luxuriance  of  tropical  vegetation,  it  has  reaped  a  rich 
harvest  for  many  years. 

In  Madras  from  1818  to  1822  23£  per-cent.  of  the  army 
were  attacked,  and  of  these  22£  per-cent.  died.  In  1821, 
one-sixth  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  a  province  on  the 
Persian  Gulf  perished,  and  in  the  same  year  in  another 
province,  in  a  few  weeks'  time  18,000  fell  victims.  In 
September,  1830,  in  Moscow,  54  per-cent.  of  all  attacked 
died.  In  Paris,  in  1832,  18,000  perished,  and  in  Palermo 
in  a  population  of  120,000,  25,000  perished. 

In  the  United  States,  in  1832,  it  filled  the  land  with 
terror  and  carried  consternation  and  mourning  to  thou- 
sands of  family  circles.  In  New- York  city  alone  there 
were  5,547  cases,  and  of  these  2,782  died,  being  one-half 
of  all  that  were  attacked.  In  1821-2,  twenty-five  of  the 
the  Allopathic  hospitals  in  Italy  and  France  give  a  ratio 
<•!'  (53  deaths  out  of  every  one  hundred  patients,  and  in 
tliis  country,  in  1832-4,  their  success  was  but  a  little 
better. 

The  success  of  Homoeopathy  in  the  treatment  of  Cho- 
lera and  other  violent  diseases,  has  contributed  more 
than  aught  else  to  its  rapid  advancement  all  over  the 
world.  In  1832,  there  were  treated  allopathically  in 
Vicuna,  4,500  Cholera  patients,  and  of  thei-:e  1,360  or 


ASIATIC    CHOLERA.  143 


31  per-cent.  died.  There  were  treated  homceopathically 
581  patients,  of  whom  49  died  ;  being  only  8  per-cent. 

Dr.  Quin,  of  London,  gives  the  result  of  the  treatment 
of  ten  Homoeopathic  physicians.  The  patients  treated 
were  1,093,  and  of  these  only  95  died,  thus  twenty-one 
out  of  every  twenty-three  were  saved. 

Dr.  Rath,  sent  by  the  King  of  Bavaria  to  ascertain  the 
results  of  the  Homoeopathic  treatment  of  Cholera,  re- 
ports the  treatment  of  14  physicians  in  Prague,  in  Hun- 
gary and  Vienna.  The  number  of  cases  treated  was 
1,269,  the  number  of  deaths  only  85. 

In  Austria,  Berlin,  Russia  and  Paris  there  were  treated 
homosopathically  3,017,  of  which  ten  out  of  every  eleven 
were  cured.  Hon.  Alex.  Eustaphieve,  the  Russian  Con- 
sul-General, makes  a  similar  statement,  as  it  regards  the 
success  of  the  Homoeopathic  treatment  in  various  parts 
of  the  Russian  Empire,  and  the  venerable  Admiral  Mord- 
venow,  President  of  the  Imperial  Council,  says,  "not  a 
single  death  has  occurred,  when  Homoeopathic  treatment 
was  resorted  to  in  the  incipient  stages  of  Cholera." 

But  we  need  not  go  beyond  our  own  country,  for  here 
we  have  ample  proofs  of  the  splendid  triumphs  won  by 
Homoeopathy,  particularly  in  the  Cholera  of  1849.  Un- 
der Homoeopathic  treatment  the  loss  did  not  exceed  from 
two  and  a  half  to  three  and  a  half  per-cent  And  the 
cases  reported  by  Homoeopathic  physicians  as  Cholera, 
were  in  reality  such,  decided  and  well  marked  cases. 
The  mortality  under  the  Allopathic  system  was  similar 
to  that  already  mentioned  in  Europe. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  may  be  precursory  symptoms,  such 
as  inclination  to  diarrhoea,  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  de- 
bility, general  feeling  of  uneasiness,  but  as  a  general 
thing,  the  attack  comes  on  suddenly,  and  runs  its  course 
with  great  rapidity,  not  unfrequently  terminating  in 
death  in  ten  or  twelve  hours. 

There  is  sudden  prostration  of  strength,  diarrhoea  and 


144  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

vomiting,  gushing  forth  in  large  quantities.  The  dis- 
charges follow  each  other  in  rapid  succession  becoming 
more  and  more  watery  and  fluid,  until  after  three  or 
four  discharges,  they  present  the  appearance  of  rice- 
water,  and  are  without  smell.  These  are  the  rice-water 
discharges  of  Cholera.  There  is  also  a  painful  burning 
in  the  stomach,  sometimes  extending  behind  the  sternum, 
frequently  connected  with  a  sighing,  and  with  it  an  in- 
satiable thirst,  anxious  breathing,  accompanied  with  a 
constant  desire  for  cold  water,  which  however  produces 
but  slight  relief,  and  it  is  almost  immediately,  particu- 
larly when  taken  in  large  quantities,  thrown  up  in  vo- 
miting. The  prostration  rapidly  increases,  the  patient 
becomes  restless  and  anxious,  and  in  a  short  time  the 
fearful  and  agonizing  cramps  are  developed  in  the  limbs 
and  frequently  the  bowels  and  breasts.  They  generally 
commence  in  the  calves,  toes,  and  fingers. 

There  is  also  an  increasing  oppression  of  the  chest, 
and  an  excessive  smallness  of  the  pulse.  The  movements 
become  painless  aud  may  be  either  very  frequent  or  few 
in  number.  If  the  stools  diminish  in  number  while 
there  is  also  a  decrease  in  the  strength  and  pulse,  a 
speedy  dissolution  is  indicated.  No  trace  of  bile  can  be 
found  in  the  evacuations,  but  they  are  accompanied  by 
a  great  sense  of  exhaustion,  which  soon  amounts  to  utter 
prostration.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  last  stage  or 
that  of  collapse  sets  in.  Besides  the  above  symptoms 
which  may  be  present,  particularly  the  cramps,  a  coldness 
commencing  at  the  lower  limbs  gradually  spreads  over 
the  body,  resisting  all  external  means  of  warmth;  the 
face  and  lips  become  pale,  blue,  and  cold,  the  body  and 
tongue  present  a  shriveled  appearance,  the  breath  be- 
comes cold,  a  clammy  perspiration  bedews  the  skin,  the 
circulation  apparently  ceases,  as  often  no  pulse  can  be 
felt  for  hours  before  death.  The  voice  is  peculiar,  being 
feeble,  fine,  somewhat  hoarse,  hollow  or  without  reso- 


ASIATIC    CHOLERA.  145 

nance.  The  patient  at  length  sinks  into  a  stupor,  the  face 
presents  a  frightful  ghostlike  appearance,  the  eyes  may 
be  blood-shot,  and  turned  up  in  the  head,  and  death 
speedily  closes  the  scene. 

CAUSES. — The  medical  world  is  still  to  a  certain  extent 
in  obscurity,  as  it  regards  the  cause  of  this  fearful  pesti- 
lence. It  attacks  people  of  all  ages  and  of  every  condition 
in  life,  but  is  more  frequent  and  fatal  among  those  who 
are  pent  up  in  ill-ventilated  rooms,  exposed  to  the  efflu- 
via of  decaying  vegetable  matter,  uncleanly  in  their  per- 
sons, and  imprudent  in  their  diet,  or  among  that  class, 
whose  chief  delight  is  in  the  luxuries  of  the  table  and 
the  exhilaration  of  the  wine-cup. 

We  cannot  look  upon  this  disease  as  a  diarrhoea,  for 
no  foecal  matter  is  seen  in  the  discharges.  It  is  rather 
a  decomposition  of  the  blood,  occasioned  by  some  un- 
known cause,  aided  by  a  variety  of  circumstances,  such 
as  fear,  debility,  as  well  as  the  causes  mentioned  above, 
in  which  the  watery  part  or  serum  of  the  blood,  separat- 
ing from  the  coagulum,  escapes  from  the  blood  vessels 
into  the  stomach  and  bowels  from  whence  it  gushes  in 
torrents. 

This  decomposition  may  be  the  work  of  days  or  hours, 
or  as  in  the  cases  of  dry  cholera,  which  are  the  most 
violent,  and  are  unattended  with  discharges,  be  the  work 
of  a  few  moments,  accompanied  from  the  commence- 
ment with  violent  and  continued  cramps.  These  cramps 
are  occasioned  by  a  cessation  of  arterial  action  on  the 
muscles  and  of  course  cease  when  that  action  is  reestab. 
lished.  Need  we  wonder  then  at  the  rapid  prostration 
of  the  cholera  patient,  when  we  remember,  that  these 
rice-water  discharges,  which  gush  forth  in  such  torrents, 
consist  in  reality  of  the  white  part  of  the  blood  ? 

PREVENTION. — Cholera  prevails  as  an  epidemic,  often 
desolating  a  town  or  city,  while  villages  within  the  dis- 
tance of  a  few  miles  entirely  escape.  By  some  it  is  con- 
7 


146  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

sidered  ^jntagious,  but  this  view  I  think  is  entirely  er- 
roneous. In  a  somewhat  extended  observation  of  Cholera 
I  have  never  seen  or  read  any  adequate  proof  of  its  con- 
tagion. 

Cleanliness,  pure  air,  a  healthy  diet,  and  above  all,  a 
calm  and  even  mind,  are  of  course  essential  in  warding 
off  the  attack.  Giving  way  to  fear,  in  this,  as  in  every 
other  disease,  debilitates  the  system,  and  thus  renders  a 
person  far  more  liable  to  its  fatal  effects.  The  gates  are 
opened  by  the  trembling  victim,  and  all  the  disease  has 
to  do,  is  to  enter  and  take  possession.  Any  thing  which 
would  have  a  tendency  to  weaken  the  system,  should  be 
avoided,  and  yet  a  healthy  vigorous  action  of  the  mind 
and  body  are  of  the  utmost  importance. 

A  sudden  breaking  up  of  habits,  injurious  in  them- 
selves, yet  long  persisted  in,  may  cause  too  violent  a  shock 
of  the  system  at  a  period,  when  violent  shocks  are  dan- 
gerous. Thus,  persons  accustomed  for  a  long  time  to 
the  use  of  liquors  or  tobacco,  may  continue  to  use  them, 
but  in  diminished  quantity.  The  diet  should  be  plain 
and  simple,  yet  nourishing.  Beef,  potatoes,  and  bread, 
also  ripe  andy/'^A  vegetables  and  fruit  should  constitute 
the  principal  part  of  the  diet — the  latter  in  moderate 
quantities. — Melons  and  green  fruit  and  vegetables  are 
not  to  be  used. 

The  best  beverage  as  a  general  thing  is  cold  water.  It 
may  be  advisable  to  wear  a  flannel  bandage  over  the 
bowels.  The  utmost  regularity  should  be  observed  in 
all  things,  eating,  sleeping,  or  exercise,  and  mental  or 
physical  excesses  should  be  carefully  guarded  against. 

TREATMENT. — There  is  often  previous,  or  after  the  at- 
tack, a  diarrhcea  with  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  and  a 
general  feeling  of  prostration  or  uneasiness.  This  is 
called  Cholerine,  and  is  generally  easily  relieved.  Where 
it  has  been  occasioned  by  cold,  and  is  accompanied  with 
pain  in  the  limbs,  headache,  shivering,  &c.,  a  few  doses 


ASIATIC    CHOLERA.  147 


of  Bryonia  and  Rhus,  given  in  alternation  every  two  or 
three  hours,  will  produce  relief.  If  occasioned  by  debi- 
litating causes  either  mental  or  physical  a  few  doses  of 
Phos-ac.  or  China,  given  at  intervals  of  three  or  four 
hours,  may  be  taken.  If  occasioned  by  fear,  Chamo- 
milla  would  be  indicated,  and  if  there  should  be  present 
much  nausea,  Ipecac,  may  be  given.  A  dose  every  two 
or  three  hours. 

When  the  attack  fairly  commences,  the  rice-water 
discharges  being  present,  Camphor  is  the  all-important 
remedy,  and  should  be  immediately  given.  The  patient 
should  be  covered  up  in  bed,  and  three  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  Camphor  given  on  a  lump  of  sugar  every 
three,  four,  or  five  minutes.  As  soon  as  reaction  takes 
place,  and  the  patient  becomes  warm,  the  doses  may  be 
given  less  frequently,  and  when  full  perspiration  com- 
mences, cease  entirely.  A  little  brandy  and  water  may 
now  be  given. 

If  after  the  use  of  Camphor  headache  should  come 
on,  a  few  doses  of  Belladonna  will  relieve  it.  Should 
however  cramps  commence,  which  are  not  removed,  or 
are  only  modified  by  the  Camphor,  we  must  turn  our 
attention  to  other  remedies;  these  are  Cuprum  and 
Veratrum,  which  are  the  most  important,  and  can 
frequently  be  given  in  alternation.  The  cramps,  cold- 
ness of  the  body  or  extremities,  prostration,  and  dis- 
charges, clearly  indicate  these  remedies.  Veratrum, 
particularly  when  the  cramps  are  exceedingly  violent  in 
the  calves  and  bowels,  and  Cuprum  when  the  vomiting 
is  preceded  by  spasmodic  constriction  of  the  chest.  Vera- 
trum,  two  drops  of  the  tincture  may  be  dissolved  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  in  alternation 
with  a  powder  of  Cuprum,  ten,  fifteen,  or  twenty  minutes 
apart,  gradually  increasing  the  intervals  as  the  symptoms 
are  relieved.  If  after  five  or  six  hours  the  vomiting  has 
nearly  or  quite  ceased,  there  are  cramps  in  the  extremi- 


148  AFFECTIONS  OF  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

ties,  particularly  the  calves,  and  the  evacuations  still 
show  no  trace  of  bile,  the  prostration  and  coldness  still 
continuing,  Svcale,  a  drop  dissolved  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  a  teaspoonful  of  which  may  be  given  at  intervals 
of  half  an  hour,  until  three  or  four  doses  have  been  taken: 

In  this  stage  Phos.-ac.  is  often  a  valuable  remedy, 
particularly  where  chest  symptoms  are  prominent,  op- 
pression of  breathing,  pain  in  the  chest  and  side,  anguish 
and  restlessness.  Two  drops  of  the  first  dilution  may  be 
mixed  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water,  and  a  teaspoonful 
given  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes. 

During  this  stage,  the  covering  may  be  governed  by 
the  feelings  of  the  patient,  who  generally  prefers  to  be 
well  covered.  Small  lumps  of  ice  may  be  taken,  the 
drinks  may  be  either  cold  or  warm,  according  to  the 
feelings  of  the  patient,  and  injections  of  cold  water  may 
be  thrown  into  the  bowels,  when  they  are  severely 
cramped.  Friction  also  should  be  made  with  the 
warm,  dry  hand,  particularly  over  those  parts  violently 
cramped.  Should  the  disease  pass  into  the  last  stage, 
or  that  of  collapse,  Arsenic,  or  Carb.-veg.  are  the  pro- 
minent remedies.  Veratrum  and  Secale  may  also  be 
indicated,  and  Camphor,  if  that  remedy  has  not  before 
been  given.  This  stage  may  last  from  a  few  hours  to 
two  or  three  days  with  but  slight  alteration,  and  termi- 
nate inconvalescence,  death  or  some  other  disease,  par- 
ticularly Typhoid  Fever. 

Carb.-weg.  should  be  given  every  three  hours,  par- 
ticularly if  stupor  is  present,  or  there  is  oppression  of 
the  chest  or  head,  and  should  there  be  a  sensation  of 
intense  burning  in  the  stomach,  with  frequent  desire  for 
water,  it  may  be  alternated  with  Arsenic  every  two 
hours,  gradually  increasing  the  intervals  to  six  hours, 
as  the  returning  pulse  shows  signs  of  reaction.  Should 
the  burning  sensation  be  the  prominent  symptom,  Arse- 
nic may  be  given  alone  at  intervals  of  an  hour.  Arsenic 


CONSTIPATION.  149 

is  also  indicated  when  the  disease  sets  in  with  great 
violence,  and  when  there  is  violent  burning  in  the 
stomach,  bowels,  and  throat,  with  great  thirst  and 
.debility.  The  covering  should  be  governed  by  the  feel- 
ings of  the  patient,  who  generally  prefers  but  little  if 
any.  The  application  of  external  warmth  in  this  stage 
is  entirely  useless. 

I  have  thus  endeavored  to  delineate  the  development 
and  progress  of  Asiatic  Cholera,  as  well  as  the  treatment 
I  found  most  successful  in  my  own  practice  during  the 
prevalence  of  this  disease  in  1849. 

As  has  already  been  seen  Camphor,  Cuprum  and 
Ver&foum  are  the  prominent  remedies,  one  or  the  other 
of  which  may  be  indicated  in  every  stage  of  the  disease, 
as  well  also  as  preventives.  PJios.-ac.,  Ipecac.,  Arsenic, 
Carbo-v.  Secale,  Hellebore,  are  also  important  remedies 
and  deserving  of  particular  attention. 

During  the  prevalence  of  this  epidemic,  every  family 
should  be  provided  with  a  small  case,  containing  a  vial 
of  the  tincture  of  Camphor,  one  of  Veratr-uin,  one  of  the 
powder  of  Cuprum,  and  another  of  Ipecac.  The  pre- 
monitory symptoms  should  be  promptly  checked.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  attack,  until  the  physician 
arrives,  the  friends  should  not  hesitate  in  their  course, 
but  administer  the  remedies  with  promptness  and 
decision. 

CONSTIPATION.     COSTIVENESS. 

This  most  troublesome  and  obstinate  difficulty  more 
frequently  exists  as  a  symptom  of  some  other  derange- 
ment. When  however  it  seems  to  be  the  principal 
symptom,  it  requires  patience  and  care  in  the  use  of 
remedies  to  effect  its  removal.  It  may  arise  from  inaction 
of  the  liver,  a  general  derangement  of  the  digestive 
organs,  causing  weakness  of  the  bowels,  from  mental 
difficulty,  and  an  almost  infinite  variety  of  causes.  Thus 


150  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

we  frequently  see  it  in  persons  of  sedentary  habits,  as  a 
result  of  dissipation,  or  mental  anxiety,  in  pregnant 
females,  and  in  various  forms  of  disease. 

It  can  frequently  be  removed  by  means  of  a  change 
of  diet,  fresh  air,  judicious  exercise,  perfect  regularity  in 
eating  and  the  time  of  stool.  Looking  at  this  trouble  in 
its  true  light,  we  very  readily  perceive  the  injurious 
effects  produced  by  cathartics.  The  bowels,  inactive  and 
debilitated,  are  roused  to  violent  action  only  to  settle 
back  into  a  state  of  greater  weakness  and  inactivity  than 
before.  The  experience  of  all  accustomed  to  cathartics 
shows,  that  their  secondary  effect  is  almost  always  con- 
stipation. Hence  they  should  be  avoided  entirely  or 
only  resorted  to  in  extreme  cases.  Where  mechanical 
means  are  necessary,  injections  of  cold  or  tepid  water 
may  be  used,  or  if  the  case  is  urgent,  or  these  should  fail, 
a  tablespoonful  of  sweet-oil  and  a  teaspoonful  of  salt  may 
be  added. 

Water  is  also  an  exceedingly  valuable  remedy  both  as 
a  drink  and  as  an  external  application.  The  sitz-bath,  or 
a  shower-bath^  the  water  falling  obliquely  over  the 
abdomen,  and  perhaps  stomach  and  liver,  are  not  un- 
frequently  highly  advantageous.  (See  Wet  Sheet?)  The  diet 
also  should  be  simple,  easy  of  digestion  and  of  an  open- 
ing kind.  Hence,  bread  made  of  unbolted  flour,  fruits 
and  vegetables  perfectly  fresh  and  ripe,  may  be  eaten 
freely,  together  with  a  moderate  amount  of  meat  simply 
cooked.  Late  suppers,  highly  seasoned  food,  &c.  should 
of  course  be  strictly  prohibited.  The  general  directions 
given  in  treating  of  dyspepsy  may  also  be  observed  here. 

How  much  more  consistent  with  common  sense  is  the 
doctrine,  which  teaches  us  that  when  the  bowels  or 
digestive  organs  are  weakened,  or  in  a  measure  paralyzed 
so  as  to  be  unable  to  perform  their  functions  aright,  that 
we  should  by  gently  stimulating  nature,  rouse  it  from  its 
torpor  to  its  natural  and  healthy  action,  rather  than  by 


CONSTIPATION.  151 


strong  mechanical  means  weaken  it  for  a  moment,  only 
to  render  it  by  the  violence  of  its  action  more  helpless 
than  before? 

If  we  only  reflect,  that  constipation  is  generally  the 
result  of  a  torpor,  or  want  of  action  in  the  intestinal 
canal  and  digestive  organs,  we  should  hardly  think  of 
removing  the  difficulty  by  those  means,  the  unavoidable 
tendency  of  which  would  by  to  weaken  those  organs. 

The  prominent  remedies  in  the  treatment  of  this 
disease  are:  Nux.-v.,  Sulphur,  Bryonia  and  Opium. 
Besides  these  Sep.,  Loch.,  Lye.,  Plat.,  Cole.,  Phos.,  Ant^ 
Si/.,  Coc.,  Alumina,  Yeratrum,  Puls.,  Carb.-v.,  c&c.,  are 
also  frequently  indicated. 

For  persons  of  sedentary  habits :  Bry.,  Nux.-v.,  Sulph., 
Lye.,  Op.,  Plat,  are  generally  indicated. 

That  of  drunkards,  Nux-v.,  Opium,  Sulphur. 

Following  diarrhoea  or  purging:  Nux-v.,  Opium,  Ant., 
Lacheais. 

In  old  persons,  often  alternating  with  diarrhoea :  Ant., 
Op ,  Phos.,  Bry ,  Lachesis. 

In  pregnant  women :  Nux-v., Op.,  Sep.,  Alum.,  Bry.,  Lye. 

In  Lying-in- women :  Ant.,  Bry.,  Nux-v.,  Plat. 

In  Infants  :  see  diseases  of  children. 

When  traveling  in  a  carriage  :  Plat.,  Alum.,  Opium. 

During  a  sea-voyage :  Cocc.,  Silic.,  Tab. 

For  other  varieties,  see  Symptomatic  Index. 

PARTICULAR  INDICATIONS.* 

Alumina. — I  have  found  great  benefit  from  this  remedy 
in  cases  of  obstinate  constipation,  when  the  fasces  were 
dry  and  hard,  great  inactivity  of  the  large  intestines,  and 
the  movements  were  accompanied  with  considerable 
straining,  and  also  when  attended  with  hsemorrhoidal 
tumors.  It  may  frequently  be  given  in  alternation  with 
Bryonia. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


152  AFFECTIONS    OF    ST  'MACH    AND    BOWELS. 

Doss. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  night. 

Bryonia. — Particularly  indicated  in  those  of  an  irri- 
table, passionate  character,  and  also  in  rheumatic  per- 
sons ;  in  warm  weather,  or  when  occasioned  by  a  dis- 
ordered stomach  with  chilliness  and  headache.  It 
alternates  well  with  Nux-vomica  or  Alumina. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  night. 

Nux-vom.  is  an  important  remedy  in  constipation, 
especially  in  chronic  cases,  occasioned  by  coffee,  dissipa- 
tion, or  from  sedentary  habits,  also  in  persons  subject  to 
haemorrhoids,  or  in  consequence  of  indigestible  food,  or 
a  too  hearty  meal ;  and  especially  when  there  is  nausea, 
distension,  pressure  and  heaviness  about  the  abdomen, 
headache,  ill-humor,  and  fullness  about  the  head,  disturb- 
ed sleep,  and  general  sensation  of  dullness,  frequent 
and  ineffectual  effort  to  evacuate,  with  a  sensation  as 
if  the  anus  were  contracted.  It  is  frequently  advisable 
to  alternate  it  with  Sulphur ;  Sulphur  in  the  morning, 
and  the  Nux  at  night. 

A  powder,  or  one  globule,  may  be  given  at  a  dose. 

Sulphur. — In  cases  of  habitual  constipation,  particu- 
larly if  there  is  a  tendency  to  haemorrhoids,  or  uneasiness 
about  the  abdomen,  with  ineffectual  efforts  to  evacuate. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux,  with  which  it  may  often  be  alternated. 

Opium. — More  particular  in  recent  cases,  or  in  old  per- 
sons, and  frequently  in  chronic  cases  occasioned  by  seden- 
tary habits.  There  is  headache,  determination  of  blood 
to  the  head,  redness  of  the  face,  want  of  appetite,  weight 
in  the  abdomen,  sensation  as  if  the  anus  were  closed,  and 
the  intestinal  canal  paralyzed. 

DOSE.— One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning  and  night. 

PulsatiUa. — Similar  indications  to  those  of  Nux ;  espe- 
cially useful  in  persons  of  a  mild,  cold,  phlegmatic  tern- 


CONSTIPATION.  153 


perament,  or  when  occasioned  by  derangement  of  the 
stomach  from  fatty  food. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Opium. 

Sepia. — Particularly  suitable  to  females,  where  there 
is  irregularity  of  the  menses,  and  also  where  there  is  a 
derangement  of  the  circulation  of  the  liver,  accompanied 
with  languor,  heaviness,  and  pain  in  the  head;  hard, 
bullet-shaped  faeces;  also  indicated  in  rheumatic  persons. 
It  is  frequently  suitable  in  chronic  cases  after  Nux  and 
Sulphur. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Platina. — Obstinate  constipation  and  ineffectual  desire 
to  evacuate,  accompanied  with  pain  in  the  abdomen  and 
stomach ;  excessively  difficult  evacuations,  with  tenesmus 
and  tingling  in  the  anus. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Plumbum.— -Very  obstinate  constipation,  either  pain- 
less, as  if  the  bowels  were  paralyzed,  or  accompanied 
with  severe  colic,  particularly  about  the  navel,  or  when 
there  is  ineffectual  effort  to  evacuate  with  painful  sensa- 
tion of  constriction  about  the  anus.  Particularly  use- 
ful in  persons  affected  with  palsy,  epilepsy,  dropsy  or 
emaciation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Silicea. — Especially  in  scrofulous  constitutions,  in  ver- 
minous difficulties,  and  where  dyspeptic  symptoms  are 
present.  There  may  be  ineffectual  effort  to  evacuate, 
and  colic. 

DOSE.— Same  as  Platina. 

Veratrum. — Severe  constipation,  headache,  flushed 
face ;  nausea,  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch 
and  especially  in  bilious,  gastric  and  hypocondriacal 
individuals. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  morning  and  night. 

Lycopodium. — Particularly  where  there  is  a  scrofulous 
7* 


154  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

constitution,  and  also  from  long-continued  dyspepsy,  or 
abuse  of  medicines. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  at  night. 

Conium. — In  old  people  or  females,  and  where  there 
is  ineffectual  effort  to  evacuate. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Opium. 

In  obstinate  constipation  the  application  of  the  Gal- 
vanic Battery  to  the  region  of  the  liver  and  abdomen 
will  often  produce  relief. 

In  recent  cases  of  constipation,  the  remedy  should  be 
given  more  frequently  than  in  the  chronic  form.  In  the 
former,  where  the  accompanying  symptoms  are  violent, 
it  may  be  necessary  to  give  it  every  three  or  six  hours. 

HEMORRHOIDS.     PILES. 

An  obstruction  in  the  circulation  of  the  ha3rnorrhoidal 
artery,  thus  producing  a  congested  state  of  the  rectum, 
particularly  about  the  anus,  gives  rise  to  small  tumors 
or  lumps,  called  piles.  These  lumps  may  be  external,  or 
so  far  within  the  rectum  as  to  be  imperceptible  to  sight, 
and  they  may  or  may  not  bleed,  and  are  therefore  spoken 
of  as  either  external,  internal,  bleeding,  or  blind  piles. 

They  may  be  occasioned  by  a  constitutional  taint,  in 
which  case,  if  partially  removed,  they  are  liable  to  return 
at  any  time.  They  may  give  rise  to,  or  be  combined 
with  various  forms  of  chronic  disease,  when  close  and 
careful  observation  is  necessary  to  produce  permanent 
relief. 

The  exciting  causes  are,  use  of  stimulants,  such  as, 
spirits,  coffee,  spices,  &cv  or  frequent  use  of  cathartics ; 
constipation  or  the  .contrary ;  depressing  emotion,  great 
mental  exertion,  sedentary  life,  riding  on  horseback. 
They  frequently  occur  during  pregnancy,  from  wearing 
tight  clothes,  or  from  worms.  They  are  generally  attend- 
ed with  considerable  heat,  burning,  tearing,  or  cutting 
pain,  and  weakness  and  pain  about  the  small  of  the  back. 


HAEMORRHOIDS.      PILES.  155 

The  food  should  be  such  as  to  keep  the  bowels  mode- 
rately open ;  heating  or  stimulating  drinks  should  be 
avoided,  cathartics  consigned  to  oblivion,  and  the  sur- 
geons's  knife  allowed  to  rest  quietly  in  its  case.  The 
habit  of  cutting  off  these  tumors,  is  not  only  revolting 
treatment,  but  generally  productive  of  far  more  evil 
than  good. 

TREATMENT.* — I  have  found  in  these  cases  great  ad- 
vantage in  the  use  of  the  sitz-bath.  It  has  a  tendency 
to  reduce  the  inflammation,  and  remove  in  a  great 
degree  the  sufferings  of  the  patient. 

JVux-v.  is  a  prominent  remedy  in  almost  every  form 
of  this  disease,  and  particularly  useful  when  occasioned 
by  constipation,  abuse  of  stimulating  drinks,  sedentary 
life  with  mental  exertion,  worms,  compression  of  the 
abdomen,  swelling  of  the  abdominal  organs,  and  in 
pregnancy. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  taken  every  six  or 
twelve  hours  according  to  the  symptoms. 

Sulphur  is  also  a  prominent  remedy,  particularly  in 
blind  or  flowing  piles  of  a  chronic  nature.  It  is  also 
strongly  indicated  for  hsemorrhoidal  colic  with  contrac- 
tive pains  about  the  umbilicus. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux^  with  which  it  may  often  be  alternated,  the 
Sulphur,  in  the  morning,  and  the  Nux  at  night. 

Belladonna  is  an  excellent  remedy  in  bleeding  piles, 
especially  where  there  is  severe  pain  m  the  small  of 
the  back.  It  may  be  followed  with  advantage  by 
Hepa/r-s. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  six  hours. 

Sabina  is  also  a  valuable  remedy,  especially  in  bleed- 
ing piles,  with  discharge  of  bright,  red  blood,  or  blood 
mixed  with  mucus. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


156  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Arnica — when  the  tumors  are  swollen  and  painful  to 
the  touch,  and  also  where  there  is  pain  in  the  back. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water  and  give  a  table- 
spoonful  every  four  hours.  Bathe  the  parts  three  times  a  day  with  a 
mixture  of  ten  drops  of  Arnica  to  two  tablespoonfuls  of  water. 

Hamamelis — Is  a  very  valuable  remedy  especially  in 
bleeding  piles  attended  with  pain. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arnica  both  in  its  external  and  internal  adminis- 
tration. 

Pulsatilla — is  of  benefit  where  there  is  blood  and 
mucus  discharged  with  the  faeces,  with  painful  pressure 
on  the  tumors. 

DOSE. — Give  the  same  as  Nux.  Much  relief  may  frequently  be 
obtained  by  throwing  up  with  a  syringe  from  time  to  time  a  small 
quantity  of  cold  water. 

Capsicum,  Carb.-v.,  and  Arsenic,  are  also  useful  in 
flowing  piles.  In  old  and  distressing  tumors,  Nit.-ac., 
Mur-ac.,  Calcarea),  Lycopodium  are  frequently  indicated. 

The  various  forms  of  this  disease,  and  its  combination 
with  other  difficulties,  render  it  advisable,  particularly 
in  chronic  cases,  to  employ  the  skill  and  experience  of 
the  physician,  rather  than  trust  to  home  treatment. 


AFFECTIONS    OF   THE   WINDPIPE   AND    CHEST.  157 

CHAPTER    IV. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  WINDPIPE  AND  CHEST.* 

We  now  proceed  to  the  investigation  of  a  class  of  dis- 
eases exceedingly  common  in  our  variable  and  ever- 
changing  climate,  and  which,  neglected,  often  lead  to. 
serious  consequences.  In  the  chapters  on  Anatomy  and 
Physiology  I  have  shown  the  important  part  which  the 
organs  connected  with  respiration  perform  in  the  eco- 
nomy of  life,  the  beauty  and  regularity  with  which  they 
perform  their  functions  in  health,  and  the  necessity  of 
their  being  well  developed,  vigorous  and  active,  unclog- 
ged  in  their  movements,  to  secure  beauty  of  form  and 
maintain  a  healthy  and  harmonious  equilibrium  in  the 
system. 

A  slight  irritation  of  a  certain  portion  of  the  wind- 
pipe may  destroy  the  music  of  the  sweetest  voice,  and 
the  seeds  of  that  wasting  consumption,  which  has  sadden- 
ed so  many  a  hearth  and  blighted  so  many  sweet  buds 
of  promise,  may  be  sown  by  a  slight  cold,  at  the  time 
easily  removed,  but  neglected,  planting  its  roots  so  deep 
and  strong  as  to  sap  the  fountains  of  life,  and  lay  its 
victim  in  the  grave. 

Serious  disturbances  of  the  chest  of  course  require 
the  aid  of  the  careful  and  skilful  physician,  but  many 
of  the  incipient  symptoms  are  so  plain,  that  not  unfre- 
quently  a  few  doses  of  medicine,  properly  selected  by 
the  patient,  may  remove  the  whole  difficulty,  and  pre- 
vent the  development  of  what  might  have  been  a  serious 
disease. 

For  the  sake  of  convenience,  we  shall  divide  the  dis- 
eases treated  in  this  chapter  into  two  classes. 

*  For  a  description  of  the  organs  included  under  this  head,  see  plate  2,  fig.  4,  and 
plate  5.  Also  Anatomy. 


158  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

1.  Affections  of  the  Windpipe  and  Lungs. 

2.  Affections  of  the  Heart. 

1.  AFFECTION  OF  THE  WINDPIPE  AND 
LUNGS. 

HOARSENESS. 
Aphonia.     Raucitas. 

When  this  difficulty,  which  is  an  affection  of  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the  larynx  exists,  as  it  often  does  in 
connection  with  other  diseases,  such  as,  measles,  in- 
fluenza, and  severe  distarbances  about  the  chest  and 
windpipe,  its  treatment  will  be  given  in  connection  with 
those  diseases  under  their  appropriate  heads. 

When  however  it  exists  alone  or  combined  with  cough, 
or,  it  runs  into  a  chronic  form,  thus  paving  the  way  for 
more  serious  disturbance,  of  course,  specific  treatment 
is  required. 

TREATMENT.* 

Pulsatilla. — Where  there  is  almost  complete  extinc- 
tion of  the  voice  (Aphonia},  loose  cough,  and  discharge 
from  the  nose  of  thick  yellow  mucus.  It  is  frequently 
necessary  to  follow  it  by  Sulphur. 

Nux-vom.  is  a  prominent  remedy,  and  particularly  in- 
dicated where  the  hoarseness  is  worse  in  the  morning 
and  is  accompanied  with  dry,  rough,  fatiguing  cough. 
(See  Influenza?) 

Mercurius  is  particularly  useful  after  JVwa;,  or  Pulsa- 
t'lll'i,  and  where  there  is  profuse  perspiration,  especially 
at  night,  a  hoarse,  rough  voice,  and  a  burning,  tickling 
sensation  in  the  larynx.  (See  also  Influenza} 

Capsicum. — Obstruction  with  sensation  of  tickling  in 
the  nose ;  violent  cough,  worse  towards  evening,  and 
pain  in  the  head  or  abdomen;  smarting  in  the  throat. 

Rhus. — Where  there  is  a  sensation  of  rawness  in  the 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


HOARSENESS.  159 


throat  and  chest,  chilliness,  pain  in  the  limbs,  hoarse- 
ness, worse  after  talking,  difficult  breathing,  with  sneez- 
ing, and  watery  discharge  from  the  nose.  It  alternates 
well  with  Bryonia,  a  dose  three  or  four  hours  apart. 

Drosera. —  Hoarseness  with  low,  hollow  voice. 

Chamomilla. — Particularly  in  children,  with  accumu- 
lation of  mucus  in  the  throat ;  cough,  worse  at  night, 
and  often  toward  evening ;  slight  fever  and  restlessness. 

Sambucus. — Deep,  hollow  cough;  oppression  of  the 
chest,  &c. 

Sulphur. — Particularly  in  cold,  damp  weather;  rough- 
ness, and  scraping  in  the  throat ;  watery  discharge  from 
the  nose  in  obstinate  or  chronic  cases,  where  the  voice 
is  almost  extinct.  It  will  be  frequently  indicated  after 
Pulsatilla  or  Mercury. 

Hepar-sulph.  is  particularly  indicated  where  mercurial 
preparations  have  been  used ;  where  the  cough  is  worse 
at  night  and  accompanied  by  a  sensation  of  soreness  in 
the  throat  and  chest.  Causticum,  which  is  also  indicat- 
ed by  the  above  symptoms,  may  be  given,  if,  after  four 
or  five  doses  ofcHepar-s.  no  relief  is  obtained. 

Garb,  v, — In  chronic  hoarseness,  aggravated  by  talk- 
ing, and  worse  in  the  morning  and  evening,  also  in  wet 
weather. 

Phosphorus  is  a  valuable  remedy,  particularly  in  chro- 
nic hoarseness,  where  there  is  a  dryness  in  the  throat 
and  chest,  sometimes  with  sensation  of  soreness,  and 
voice  almost  extinct.  It  is  not  unfrequently  indicated 
in  alternation  with  Carbo-v.  or  Hepar-s. 

ADMINISTRATION. — In  acute  cases  the  remedy  should  be 
taken  every  four  or  five  hours,  until  five  or  six  doses 
have  been  taken,  when  if  no  relief  is  obtained,  another 
remedy  should  be  selected. 

In  chronic  cases,  a  dose  every  six  or  twelve  hours,  may 
be  given,  changing  the  remedy  in  three  or  four  days,  if 
no  improvement  is  perceptible. 


160      AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  WINDPIPE  AND  CHEST. 

Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules, 
dry  on  the  tongue. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  wet  bandage,  (See  Index) 
around  the  throat  at  night  will  materially  aid  the  cure. 
The  food  should  be  plain  and  simple,  abstaining  from 
spices  and  wines. 

INFLUENZA. 

There  are  but  few  persons  in  our  ever-changing  cli- 
mate, who  have  not  had  practical  experience  of  the  sen- 
sations produced  by  this  disease.  It  very  commonly, 
though  not  always,  exists  as  an  epidemic,  frequently 
prevading  a  whole  community. 

For  the  sake  of  clearness  and  convenience,  we  divide 
it  into  two  varieties. 

1.  Coryza*  or  cold  in  the  head. 

2.  General  Influenza. 

1.     COLD  IN  THE  HEAD.     CORYZA. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  difficulty  may  commence  with  shiver- 
ing, and  feverish  sensation,  and  is  accompanied  with 
pain  in  the  head,  particularly  over  the  eyes  and  about 
*  the  root  of  the  nose,  obstruction  of,  or  running  at  the 
nose,  watering  of  the  eyes,  sometimes  with  pain  and 
redness.  If  these  symptoms  are  not  checked,  the  irri- 
tation may  travel  downward  to  the  larynx  and  lungs, 
giving  rise  to  other  varieties  of  influenzas  and  colds, 
most  of  which  commence  in  this  way. 

TREATMKNT. — If  taken  promptly,  a  few  doses  of  Cam- 
phor will  generally  alone  be  sufficient  to  produce  a  cure. 
Two  drops  may  be  mixed  with  four  tablespoonfuls  of 
water,  and  one  spoonful  taken  every  hour.  Next  to 
Camj>l''r,  Arsenic  is  the  prominent  remedy.  It  is  indi- 
cated by  obstruction  of  the  nose,  accompanied  by,  or 

•  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


COLD  IN  THE  HEAD.  CORYZA.  161 

in  alternation  with,  profuse  watery  discharge,  some- 
times with  burning  in  the  nose  and  excoriation  of  the 
adjacent  parts. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  or  four  hours,  ac- 
cording to  the  severity  of  the  symptoms. 

Mercury  is  of  great  value,  where  is  frequent  sneezing, 
profuse  watery  discharge,  swelling,  redness,  and  exco- 
riation of  the  nose,  itching  or  aching  pain,  on  pressing 
the  nose ;  pain  in  the  limbs,  restlessness,  shivering,  or 
feverish  heat  and  thirst.  Frequently  indicated  in  alter- 
nation with  Nux. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenic. 

Nux-v.  is  indicated,  where  there  is  dryness  with  ob- 
struction of  the  nose,  headache  with  heaviness  in  the 
forehead,  or  shooting,  tearing  pains ;  running  of  the 
nose  in  the  morning,  with  dryness  in  the  evening  or 
night ;  constipation  and  sensation  of  weariness. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenic. 

Hep.-s. — Particularly  if  Mercury  has  not  produced  re- 
lief, or  the  patient  has  before  been  drugged  with  calo- 
mel ;  also  where  cold  air  renews  the  difficulty,  causing 
headache  ;  or  the  cold  only  attacks  one  nostril,  and  the 
headache  is  made  worse  by  movement. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenic- 

Pulsatilla. — Loss  of  appetite,  taste  and  smell ;  secre- 
tion of  thick  and  offensive  mucus;  sneezing;  heaviness 
and  confusion  of  the  head,  particularly  in  the  evening, 
in  the  warmth  of  the  room,  with  obstruction  of  the  nose ; 
better  in  the  open  air. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water  a 
tablespoonful  ouce  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Ghamomilla. — Particularly  useful  in  children,  either 
alone  or  in  alternation  with  Belladonna  or  Pulsa- 
tilla. After  suppressed  perspiration ;  heaviness  of  the 
head  with  stupor;  shivering  with  heat;  acrid  and  smart- 
ing mucus  in  the  nose. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 


162  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

Sulphur. — Obstruction  and  dryness  of  the  nose,  or  pro- 
fuse secretion  of  thick,  yellowish  and  puriform  mucus; 
sneezing,  loss  of  smell,  &c. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  six  hours. 

Euphrasia  is  useful  where  the  eyes  are  red  and  wa- 
tery. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Belladonna. — Redness  and  burning  in  the  nose ;  pain 
in  the  head,  aggravated  by  movement;  give  same  as 
PulsatiUa. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Where  persons  are  constantly  liable 
to  this  affection  on  the  slightest  exposure,  it  can  often 
be  prevented  by  bathing  the  head  and  neck  every  day 
in  cold  water. 

If  the  discharge  from  the  nose  should  suddenly  stop 
and  be  attended  with  headache,  Aconite,  three  or  four 
doses,  given  at  intervals  of  three  hours,  followed,  if  ne- 
cessary, by  PulsatiUa,  will  produce  relief. 

Should  difficulty  of  breathing  be  developed,  Bi^yonia 
and  Ipecac,  in  alternation,  three  hours  apart,  may  be 
given,  followed  by  Arsenic,  if  no  relief  is  obtained  after 
two  doses  of  each  have  been  taken. 

2.    GENERAL  INFLUENZA. 

In  addition  to  the  symptoms  mentioned  under  Coryza, 
there  is  more  or  less  shivering,  alternating  with  flashes 
of  heat,  violent  headache,  drowsiness,  rheumatic  pains, 
difficult  breathing,  generally  cough,  more  or  less  severe, 
painful  and  red  eyes,  and  general  debility. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  commencement  of  the  disease 
Camphor  is  the  prominent  remedy,  a  drop  of  which 
may  be  given  every  hour,  until  three  or  four  doses  have 
been  taken. 

Arsenic  is  also  strongly  indicated  in  the  first  stage  of 
the  disease,  three  or  four  doses  of  which  may  be  given 
at  intervals  of  two  or  three  hours. 


GENERAL    INFLUENZA.  163 

Mercury  is  particularly  useful,  where  head  symptoms 
preponderate.  There  is  sneezing,  running  at  the  nose, 
rheumatic  pains,  or  red,  watery  eyes,  sore  throat,  loose 
cough,  slimy  diarrhoea,  with  straining. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  two  or  four  hours. 

Stibium. — Dry  and  hard  cough,  sometimes  with  rat- 
tling in  the  chest,  alternation  of  shivering  and  flashes 
of  heat,  frequently  with  pain  in  the  forehead,  tightness 
about  the  nose,  and  pressing  pain  over  the  eyes.  Should 
there  he  considerable  pain  about  the  chest,  hoarseness 
and  difficulty  in  drawing  a  long  breath,  Phosphorus 
may  be  alternated  with  the  Stibium,  two  hours  apart. 

DOSE.— Same  as  Mercury. 

Belladonna  may  be  alternated  with  Mercury,  where 
there  is  soreness  of  the  throat,  pain  in  the  head,  rheu- 
matic pains,  &c.,  given  two  or  three  hours  apart. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 

Nux-vom. — Hoarse,  hollow  cough,  excited  by  tickling 
in  the  throat,  accompanied  with  headache,  pain  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  back,  constipation,  obstruction  of  the 
nose,  and  sensation  in  the  chest  of  excoriation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  morning,  noon  and  night. 

Causticum. — Particularly  where  Nux  seems  indicated, 
yet  does  not  produce  relief,  and  where  the  cough  is  worse 
at  night,  with  severe  excoriating  pain  in  the  chest,  and 
the  aching  pains  in  the  limbs  are  aggravated  by 
movement. 

DOSE. — One  drop  in  a  tumbler  of  water  a  tablespoonful,  or  six 
globules  on  the  tongue,  at  a  dose. 

Pulsatilla.— Cough  worse  on  lying  down;  discharge 
from  the  nose  of  thick  offensive  mucus,  loss  of  appetite 
and  insipid  taste.  Frequently  required  in  alternation 
with  Mercury. 

DOSE.. — Same  as  Causticum. 

Stannum. — In  protracted  cases  with  easy  expectoration. 


164  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 


DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Ipecac.,  when  the  cough  is  accompanied  with  vomit- 
ing, or  where  the  attack  is  followed  by  difficulty  of 
breathing.  A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  hours 
until  better.  (See  also  "Coughs") 

COUGH. 

Cough  may  be  occasioned  by  a  slight  irritation  of  the 
air-passages  and  be  simply  catarrhal,  or  it  may  exist  only 
as  one  of  a  group  of  symptoms,  indicating  a  deep-seated 
disease  of  the  lungs  and  throat,  or  it  may  be  sympathetic, 
produced  by  a  derangement  of  some  other  important 
viscera. 

Thus,  we  not  only  have  coughs  produced  by  the  various 
diseases  of  the  chest,  but  occasioned  by  teething,  dys- 
pepsy,  worms,  growing  too  fast  in  children,  and  various 
other  causes. 

The  character  of  the  cough,  and  the  group  of  symp- 
toms connected  with  it,  are  to  be  our  guide  in  detecting 
the  seat  and  severity  of  the  disease,  and  consequently 
the  appropriate  remedy. 

The  treatment  of  cough,  when  it  is  developed  in  con- 
nection with  derangement  of  important  viscera,  will  be 
given  in  connection  with  those  diseases  in  their  appro- 
priate place.  We  shall  here  give  the  indications  for 
several  of  the  prominent  remedies,  where  cough  is  the 
principal  symptom. 

- 1  •  -onitc.* — Violent  short  cough,  with  feverish  heat  and 
sometimes  pain  in  the  chest  and  difficult  breathing. 

Stihium. — Deep,  hollow  cough  or  loose  cough  with 
rattling  in  the  chest,  rapid  and  difficult  breathing,  fever- 
ish sensation;  cough  with  nausea  or  vomiting.  In  alter- 
nation with  1 '' 'If  sphorus  where  there  is  much  pain  about 
the  chest.  (See  Pneumonia.  See  also  Influenza  and 
Croup.) 

For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  pago  12. 


COUGH.  165 

Ipecac. — Spasmodic  coughs,  frequently  accompanied 
with  nausea  and  vomiting,  worse  at  night,  or  in  cold  air ; 
oppression  of  breathing,  as  if  the  lungs  were  filled  with 
mucus ;  and  in  children  violent  coughing  until  the  face 
becomes  livid  and  the  body  stiff.  (See  Hooping  Cough.) 

Hepar-s. — Dry,  hoarse,  or  deep  cough,  frequently  ex- 
cited by  talking,  stooping,  or  much  exertion ;  worse  at 
night  and  aggravated  by  exposure  of  any  part  of  the 
body  to  the  cold.  Generally  in  alternation  with  Phos- 
phorus. 

Phosphorus. — Cough  excited  by  lying  on  the  left  side ; 
dry  cough  from  tickling  in  the  throat ;  hoarseness  and 
pain  in  the  chest  as  from  excoriation.  (See  Pneumonia.) 

Carb.-v. — Dry,  spasmodic  cough,  sometimes  producing 
vomiting,  aggravated  by  damp,  cold  weather,  and  worse 
in  the  morning  or  towards  evening,  accompanied  with  a 
burning  excoriating  pain  in  the  chest.  (Alternate  with 
Phosphorus.) 

IVux-vom. — Dry,  hoarse,  fatiguing  or  spasmodic  cough, 
worse  in  the  morning  and  during  the  day.  Oppression 
of  the  chest  in  the  night,  and  on  lying  down,  with  a  feel- 
ing of  heat  and  dryness  in  the  mouth.  Cough  excited 
by  tickling,  scraping  sensation  with  feeling  of  rough- 
ness or  rawness  in  the  throat,  accompanied  with  hoarse- 
ness, severe  pain  in  the  head,  and  bruised  sensation 
about  the  stomach.  Sometimes  aggravated  by  eating, 
or  meditation,  and  not  unfrequently  producing  vomiting. 
Particularly  beneficial  in  persons  of  an  energetic,  san- 
guine temperament. 

Sulphur. — Particularly  in  obstinate  cases,  where  the 
cough  is  dry,  frequently  excited  by  food  or  a  deep  in- 
spiration, worse  during  the  night.  Cough  with  expec- 
toration of  thick,  or  fetid  mucus,  or  pus,  of  a  salt  or 
sweetish  taste;  headache,  pain  in  the  chest,  abdomen, 
and  loins. 

Chamonvilla. — Dry  cough,  particularly  in  children,  ex- 


166  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

cited  by  constant  tickling  in  the  throat  and  chest,  worse 
at  night,  or  in  the  morning  and  evening,  and  aggravated 
by  talking;  cough  during  sleep,  sometimes  with  fever, 
and  so  violent  as  to  threaten  suffocation.  Fretfulness, 
cough  after  crying,  or  a  fit  of  passion;  fever  towards 
evening. 

Bryonia. — Dry  catarrhal  cough,  particularly  in  winter, 
and  on  coming  into  a  warm  room,  excited  by  irritation 
in  the  throat,  and  frequently  accompanied  with  shiver- 
ing, followed  by  fever,  and  rheumatic  or  aching  pains  in 
the  head  and  limbs.  Dry,  nervous  cough,  or  loose  cough 
with  yellowish  expectoration. 

Hhu8. — Short,  dry  cough,  excited  by  tickling  in  the 
chest,  worse  in  the  evening  before  midnight,  and  attend- 
ed with  restlessness  and  shortness  of  breath ;  cough  with 
shooting  pains  in  the  side  and  chest,  sometimes  with  ex- 
pectoration of  blood. 

Belladonna. — Violent  spasmodic  cough;  dry,  short, 
and  hacking  cough  at  night,  renewed  by  the  slightest 
movement ;  dry  cough,  almost  without  intermission,  day 
and  night,  with  redness  of  the  face,  and  sensation  as  if 
something  were  in  the  windpipe  ;  pains  in  the  abdomen, 
neck,  and  head ;  frequently  an  attack  of  coughing, 
followed  by  sneezing. 

J/'/osciamus. — The  symptoms  indicating  this  remedy 
are  similar  to  belladonna,  which  it  can  follow,  if  that 
fails  to  produce  relief.  I  have  found  more  benefit,  how- 
ever, from  Hyosciamus,  where  the  cough  is  incessant, 
worse  on  lying  down,  and  seems  to  be  excited  by  a  tick- 
ling in  the  throat,  sometimes  with  rattling. 

Capsicum. — Cough,  worse  towards  evening  and  in  the 
night,  severe  pain  in  the  head,  as  if  it  would  burst,  ach- 
ing throughout  the  body,  and  an  aching,  smarting  sensa- 
tion in  the  throat,  as  from  eating  pepper. 

Jt/HufHi. — Particularly  in  persons  of  a  mild  or  variable 
temperament  Short  hacking  or  shaking  cougli  us  from 


COUGH.  167 

the  tickling  of  a  feather.  Cough,  worse  after  eating,  on 
lying  down  at  night,  or  rising  in  the  morning.  Dry  cough, 
with  running  at  the  nose. 

Mercury. — Hoarse,  catarrhal  cough,  with  watery  dis- 
charge from  the  nose,  or  diarrhoea,  and  frequently  bleed- 
ing at  the  nose.  Dry  cough,  worse  towards  evening  or 
in  the  night,  increased  by  talking,  and  sometimes  at- 
tended with  retching  and  expectoration  of  blood. 

Drosera. — Deep,  hollow,  hoarse  cough.  Dry,  spas- 
modic cough,  worse  on  lying  down  and  at  night,  aggra- 
vated by  laughing,  and  sometimes  followed  by  retching 
and  vomiting.  (See  Hooping  Cough.) 

Stannum. — Cough  with  expectoration  of  a  sweetish  or 
saltish  taste,  attended  with  debility  and  perspiration. 
Dry,  shaking  cough,  worse  at  night,  and  increased  by 
speaking  or  laughing.  (See  Consumption.) 

Dulcamara. — Loose  cough  after  taking  cold ;  cough 
excited  by  drawing  a  deep  breath,  worse  when  at  rest. 
Sometimes  expectoration  of  blood. 

Amm.-carb. — Rough  voice ;  dry,  tickling,  suffocating 
cough,  worse  in  the  morning  and  in  damp,  cold  weather, 
accompanied  with  sensation  of  burning  behind  the 
breast-bone. 

PulsatilliJj. — Severe  shaking  cough,  worse  at  night, 
and  frequently  attended  with  retching  and  vomiting. 
Loose  cough  with  aching  in  the  chest,  hoarseness, 
cold  in  the  head,  and  expectoration  of  bitter  mucus. 
(See  Influenza.) 

China. — Asthmatic  cough  at  night,  with  pain  in  the 
chest,  or  cough  from  ulceration  of  the  lungs,  or  loss  of 
blood.  (See  Consumption.) 

Arsenic. — Asthmatic  cough  and  breathing ;  dry  cough 
worse  at  night,  and  sometimes  with  bloody  expectora- 
tion, and  a  burning  sensation  over  the  body.  (See 
Asthma.) 

S<ipia. — Dry,  spasmodic  cough,  worse  at  night,  or  on 


168  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

lying  down,  and  sometimes  attended  with  nausea  and 
vomiting.  It  is  particularly  useful  in  persons  of  a  scro- 
fulus  constitution,  and  in  chronic  cough  with  thick  or 
puriform  expectoration. 

Cina. — Principally  in  children.  Dry,  spasmodic  cough, 
pale  face,  moaning,  restlessness,  and  crying.  (See  Worms.) 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  on  the  tongue. 

In  recent  cases  the  remedy  may  be  given  once  in  from 
two  to  four  hours,  until  five  or  six  doses  have  been  taken, 
then  wait  four  or  five  hours,  and  if  no  relief  has  been  pro- 
duced, select  another  remedy.  In  cases  which  have 
assumed  a  chronic  character,  a  dose  once  in  six  or  twelve 
hours  will  be  sufficient 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  same  as  in  chronic  diseases, 
unless  considerable  fever  is  present,  when  abstain  from 
meats  and  fatty  food.  The  predisposition  to  cold  can 
often  be  overcome  by  bathing  freely  every  day  with 
cold  water.  Cough  should  be  taken  in  hand  at  once,  as 
cases  are  by  no  means  rare,  where  neglected,  it  has  laid 
the  foundation  of  disease,  which  has  mocked  the  efforts 
of  human  skill  to  eradicate. 

For  Croup  <wd  H ooping-  Cough,  see  Diseases  of 
Children. 

PLEURITIS. 
Pleurisy. 

By  consulting  the  chapter  on  Anatomy,  (See  Anatomy 
and  also  plate  5)  an  idea  will  be  obtained  of  the  position 
of  the  lungs  and  their  investing  membrane,  which  will 
aid  materially  in  a  correct  understanding  of  the  charac- 
ter of  this  disease. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Pleurisy  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the 
serous  membrane  covering  the  lungs,  which  is  also  re- 
flected over  the  inner  wall  of  the  chest,  forming  as  we 
have  already  explained  a  shut  sack.  Thus  it  will  per- 


PLETJRITIS.  169 


ceived,  one  part  of  the  membrane  covers  the  soft  and 
compressible  lung,  which  is  suspended  in  the  chest,  the 
firm  walls  of  which  are  lined  with  the  other  part  of  the 
membrane.  These  opposed  surfaces  freely  moving  upon 
each  other,  of  course  when  inflamed  produce  a  train  of 
symptoms  not  only  exceedingly  painful,  but  unless 
promptly  and  carefully  treated  often  highly  dangerous. 

This  inflamed  membrane  may  pour  out  from  its  dis- 
eased surface  a  large  amount  of  serum,  or  a  watery  fluid, 
or  coagulable  lymph,  pus  or  blood.  Thus  the  pulmonai^y 
pleura,  or  the  membrane  which  invests  the  lungs,  may  by 
this  coagulable  lymph  be  firmly  glued  to  the  costal  pleura 
or  the  membrane  which  covers  the  walls  of  the  chest, 
thus  attaching  the  lungs  to  the  chest,  preventing  all 
lateral  movement  between  them  and  obliterating  the 
pleural  cavity.  Or  the  lung  may  be  compressed  to  a 
very  small  compass,  and  the  chest  distended  by  the  large 
amount  of  serous  fluid,  sometimes  amounting  to  several 
pints,  which  has  been  poured  out  by  the  inflamed  mem- 
brane into  the  pleural  cavity,  or  one  portion  of  the  pleura 
may  be  united  by  coagulable  lymph  in  some  places,  and 
separated  by  the  effused  fluid  in  others. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  pain,  which  is  frequently  preceded 
by  chill  and  fever,  generally  commences  in  a  spot  just 
below  one  or  other  of  the  breasts,  from  whence  it  radiates 
to  other  parts,  but  is  sometimes  felt  in  other  places, 
as  along  the  sternum,  beneath  the  collar  bone,  and  not 
unfrequently  extends  over  the  whole  side  of  the  thorax. 
The  pain  is  sharp  and  stabbing,  as  if  at  each  inspiration 
a  sharp  instrument  were  thrust  into  the  chest  at  a  par- 
ticular point,  the  patient  is  unable  to  take  a  long  breath, 
being  able  to  fill  the  lungs  only  to  a  small  extent,  the 
breath  is  quick  and  hurried,  the  face  flushed,  the  skin 
hot,  the  pulse  feverish.  Pressure  on  the  side  increases 
the  pain ;  the  patient  is  at  first  unable  to  lie  on  the  side 
affected,  and  as  the  disease  advances,  if  much  serous  ef- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST.  170 

fusion  has  taken  place,  he  is  also  unable  to  lie  on  the 
other  side,  from  the  fluid  passing  round  to  the  side, 
compressing  the  healthy  lung,  so  as  to  produce  suffoca- 
tion. The  urine,  at  this  stage,  is  generally  offensive, 
and  has  a  sediment.  Cough  is  also  present,  small,  dry, 
half-suppressed  and  ineffectual;  the  expectoration,  if 
any,  is  very  slight.  Should  much  frothy  mucus  be  ex- 
pectorated, the  disease  is  complicated  with  bronchitis, 
and  if  rust  colored  sputa  be  brought  up,  it  is  compli- 
cated with  pneumonia. 

CAUSES. — The  most  common  cause  of  pleurisy  is 
exposure  to  cold  and  dampness.  It  is,  however  often 
occasioned  by  mechanical  violence  or  by  the  acciden- 
tal extension  of  disease  from  other  parts.  Thus  it  may 
be  excited  by  the  splintered  ends  of  a  broken  rib,  by 
a  wound  penetrating  into  the  chest,  or  by  a  perforating 
ulcer  of  the  pulmonary  pleura,  the  extension  of  a  tuber- 
cular excavation.  Of  course  the  cause  should  be  taken 
into  consideration  in  the  treatment  of  the  disease. 

TREATMENT.* — Aconite  and  Bryonia  are  the  two  great 
remedies  in  this  disease.  If  the  attack  is  violent,  they 
may  be  given  two  or  three  doses  of  each  in  alternation, 
twenty  or  thirty  minutes  apart,  afterwards  one  hour  apart, 
gradually  increasing  the  intervals  to  two  or  three  hours, 
as  the  symptoms  become  better.  Two  drops  of  the  tinc- 
ture, or  twelve  globules,  may  by  mixed  in  a  tumbler  of 
water,  and  a  tablespoonful  given  at  a  dose.  After  the 
pain  has  been  removed  by  jBryonia,  or  the  fever  still 
continues,  notwithstanding  the  use  of  Aconite,  a  few  do- 
ses of  Sulphur  will  generally  complete  the  cure.  Sulphur 
may  also  follow  the  above  remedies,  if  after  twenty-four 
hours,  no  relief  has  been  obtained  by  them,  or  if  the 
disease  is  complicated  with  pneumonia,  and  there  is  dan- 
ger of  solidification  of  the  lung  taking  place.  A  powder 
or  three  globules  may  be  given  once  in  two  or  three  hours 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


171  PLEURITIS. 


Mcrcurius  is  of  great  benefit,  where  the  fever  has 
been  subdued,  but  the  pain  and  shortness  of  breath  still 
continue,  and  the  patient  is  becoming  exhausted  by  co- 
pious night-sweats. 

DOSE. — Give  a  powder,  or  six  globules  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 
If  during  the  night  the  patient  should  by  very  restless  and  sleepless, 
a  few  doses  of  Coffea  or  Belladonna,  given  at  intervals  of  one  hour 
will  generally  produce  relief. 

Arsenicum  is  of  use  if  considerable  effusion  has  taken 
place,  and  there  is  prostration  of  strength,  impeded  and 
asthmatic  respiration. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Pleurisy,  as  we  have  already  said,  may  be  complicated 
with  pneumonia  (pleuro-pneumonia),or  with  bronchitis, 
in  which  cases  Hepar-s.,  Phosphorus,  Carb.-v.,  Belladonna^ 
Hhus,  Lachesis,  Sulphur,  Lycopodium,  China,  or  Sepia 
may  be  indicated.  Consult  also  those  diseases. 

The  external  application  of  the  wet  bandage  over  the 
painful  spot  will  also  be  of  benefit. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — As  in  fevers. 

PLEURODYNIA. 
False  Pleurisy. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Notwithstanding  this  disease  is  often  mis- 
taken for  pleurisy,  with  a  little  care  it  can  be  very  readily 
distinguished.  It  is  a  rheumatic  affection  of  the  inter- 
costal muscles,  generally  preceded  by  pains  in  the  neck 
and  shoulders,  and  accompanied  with  but  little  if  any 
fever  or  thirst.  The  pain  is  often  severe  in  the  side,  but 
the  cough  is  slight,  only  hard  pressure  between  the  ribs 
increases  it,  while  in  pleurisy  the  side  is  exceedingly  sen- 
sitive to  a  slight  touch,  and  the  cough  is  dry  and  painful. 

TREATMENT. — Arnica,  two  or  three  doses,  given  at  in- 
tervals of  three  hours,  will  often  be  sufficient  to  produce 
a  cure.  If  then,  relief  is  not  obtained,  the  Arnica  may 
be  alternated  with  Pulsatilla,  two  hours  apart,  until 
three  or  four  doses  of  each  have  been  taken. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST.  172 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 

JBryonia. — Where  the  pains  are  sharp  and  cutting, 
exceedingly  violent  during  inspiration. 

Dose. — Same  as  Arnica,  give  every  two  or  three  hours. 

A'ltx.-v. — Shooting  pain,  with  great  sensibility  of  the 
external  parts  of  the  chest  to  the  touch,  aggravated  by 
movement  and  by  deep  inspiration. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  given  ;  or 
a  powder  or  three  globules  on  the  tongue. 

Ranunculus-b. — I  have  frequently  found  this  remedy 
very  efficacious,  where  the  pains  were  sharp  and  cutting, 
increased  by  movement,  and  where  other  remedies  had 
failed  to  produce  a  beneficial  result. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

External  application  of  warmth,  in  the  form  of  hot 
cloths,  or  even  a  cloth  wrung  out  in  Alcohol,  and  slightly 
sprinkled  with  Cayenne  pepper,  will  frequently  produce 
relie£ 

PNEUMONIA. 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 

This  disease  generally  commences  with  chilliness,  fol- 
lowed by  heat.  The  breath  is  frequent,  difficult,  pain- 
ful and  anxious,  and  where  both  lungs  are  inflamed,  per- 
formed through  the  action  of  the  abdominal  muscles 
and  the  diaphragm.  Pain  in  the  chest  on  taking  a  long 
breath.  Cough  dry  and  deep,  or  quick  and  spontaneous, 
or  excited  by  deep  breathing,  talking  or  swallowing. 
Expectoration  tough,  sticky,  at  first  partially  transparent 
and  slimy,  afterwards  bloody,  saffron  or  rust  colored. 
The  patient  dislikes  to  talk,  does  not  wish  to  be  disturb- 
ed, and  generally  prefers  lying  on  the  back.  Sometimes 
the  face  of  the  patient  becomes  very  red,  the  head  pain- 
fill,  the  tongue  parched,  the  skin  dry  and  hot,  accom- 
panied with  excessive  thirst.  The  fever  after  a  time  may 
assume  an  intermittent  type,  disappearing  in  the  morn- 


PNEUMONIA.  173 


ing  and  coming  on  in  the  afternoon  with  renewed  vio- 
lence. Or  it  may  assume  a  typhoid  form,  accompanied 
with  prostration,  low  muttering  delirium,  &c.  (See 
Typhoid  fever.)  When  the  breathing  becomes  easy,  the 
skin  moist,  the  expectoration  natural,  the  patient  may 
be  looked  upon  as  in  a  fair  way  to  recovery. 

CAUSES.  —  Sudden  changes  of  temperature,  exposure  to 
cold,  north  or  northeast  wind,  sudden  cooling  after  vio- 
lent exertion,  mechanical  injury,  or  inhalation  of  acrid 
or  noxious  gases. 

TREATMENT.*  —  The  prominent  remedies  are  Aconite, 
Stibium^  Bryonia  and  Phosphorus. 

Aconite  is  the  prominent  remedy,  during  the  chilliness 
and  fever,  especially  if  the  pulse  is  quick,  the  pain  in 
the  chest  violent  and  the  respiration  oppressed. 

DOSE.  —  Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  one  or  two  hours. 

Bryonia.  —  Particularly  where  the  difficulty  has  been 
occasioned  by  exposure  to  cold  or  violent  muscular  ex- 
ertion. There  is  oppression  and  pain  in  the  chest,  ag- 
gravated by  movement,  with  constant  desire  to  cough. 
The  cough  is  generally  loose,  and  the  expectoration 
white,  slimy  and  streaked  with  blood,  or  of  a  brick-dust 
color.  There  is  often  rheumatic  pain  about  the  extre- 
mities, thirst  and  constipation.  It  is  frequently  indicat- 
ed in  alternation  with  Aconite. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Aconite* 

JSdladonna  will  be  a  valuable  remedy,  where  there  is 
congestion  of  blood  to  the  brain,  delirium  and  danger  of 
typhoid  symptoms.  Generally  in  alternation  with  Aco- 
nite, one  hour  apart. 

RTius.  —  Great  restlessness,  anxiety  and  palpitation  of 
the  heart. 

If  no  relief  follows  the  administration  of  Aconite  and 
)  and  the  disease  passes  .into  the  second  stage, 


*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  seepage  12. 


174  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

Stibium,  and  Phosphorus  should  be  administered,  gene- 
rally in  alternation,  one  or  two  hours  apart.  The  Stibium 
is  indicated  by  great  oppression  of  breathing,  cough,  with 
much  mucous  rattling,  profuse  expectoration,  dry,  hard 
cough,  and  sometimes  nausea.  Pho^rftorus  symptoms 
are  severe  sticking  pains  in  the  chest,  excited  or  aggra- 
vated by  breathing  or  coughing,  shortness  of  breath,  dry 
cough  and  rust-colored  expectoration.  Where  the  attack 
is  severe,  Phosphorus  is  frequently  required  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  disease,  either  alone  or  in  alternation 
with  Aconite  or  Belladonna. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  given  every  two  or 
three  hours. 

Should  typhoid  symptoms  set  in,  which  are  character- 
ized by  extreme  restlessness,  delirium  and  stupor,  quick 
and  irregular  breathing,  thread-like  pulse,  rattling  of 
mucus  and  prostration  of  strength,  the  disease  is  assuming 
an  alarming  character. 

Phosphorus  is  here  also  an  invaluable  remedy ;  should 
there  be  indications  of  solidification  of  the  lungs,  de- 
tected by  the  greater  difficulty  of  breathing,  depression 
of  the  mental  faculties,  bland  delirium,  grasping  at 
flocks,  rapid  prostration,  feeble  pulse,  difficult  cough, 
short  and  difficult  breathing,  with  oppression  and  an- 
guish. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 
China. — Where  the  patient  has  been  weakened  by  a 
loss  of  blood,  or  when  there  is  palpitation  of  the  heart 
on  breathing,  or  coughing,  stitches   in  the  sides  and 
chest,  and  great  weakness. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every 
three  or  four  hours. 

Sulphur  is  beneficial  in  rendering  the  system  more 
susceptible  to  the  action  of  remedies.  Where  the  appro- 
priate remedies  fail  to  produce  an  effect,  a  few  doses  of 
Sulphur  may  be  given,  returning  afterward  to  the  pre- 
vious remedies. 


PNEUMONIA.  175 


DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 
Veratrwn. — Small,  weak  pulse,  cold  extremities ;  vo- 
miting, diarrhoea,  rapid  prostration  of  strength  and  de- 
lirium. 

Mercurius  may  be  given  if  there  are  copious  night- 
sweats,  given  every  four  hours. 

Bry.,  Rhus,  Hyos.,  Op.,  Bell.,  Phos.-ac-,  Loch.,  and 
Lye.  are  also  sometimes  indicated  in  this  stage  of  the 
disease.  For  particular  indications,  see  Typhus  Fever. 

Pneumonia  unless  properly  relieved,  may  become 
chronic  or  terminate  in  consumption.  Mercury,  Sulphur 
or  Stannum  will  generally  be  sufficient  to  break  up  this 
chronic  tendency.  See  also  consumption. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN  as  in  fevers. 

PNEUMONIA    NOTHA. 

This  variety  of  Pneumonia,  sometimes  called  false 
pneumonia,  more  generally  affects  old  people,  and  not 
unfrequently  terminates  in  complete  paralysis  of  the 
lungs.  The  •symptoms  at  first  are  those  of  an  ordinary 
cold.  The  cough  is  generally  moist,  the  expectoration 
white,  yellow  and  slimy,  sometimes  streaked  with  blood ; 
pressure,  stinging  and  burning  sensation  in  the  chest,  in- 
creased on  going  up-stairs,  or  turning  to  either  side. 
The  fever,  if  present  at  all,  is  generally  slight. 

TREATMENT. — Arnica  is  a  valuable  remedy,  where  there 
is  a  bruised  sensation  in  the  chest,  slight  cough,  with 
blood-streaked,  slimy  expectoration. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every 
three  or  four  hours. 

Bryonia. — Increase  of  symptoms  at  night,  great  heat 
in  the  chest,  violent  racking  cough  and  expectoration  of 
dingy-reddish  mucus. 

Veratrum  and  Ars. — If  there  are  cold  extremities  and 
rapid  prostration. 


176  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

£  Madonna. — Flushed  face,  short,  dry  cough  and  diffi- 
cult breathing. 

Stibium — If  there  be  a  great  accumulation  of  mucus 
in  the  bronchial  tubes. 

DOSE. — If  the  symptoms  are  urgent,  give  the  above  remedies,  pre- 
pared like  the  Arnica,  every  half  an  hour  increasing  the  intervals  to 
three  or  four  hours. 

Phosphorus  and  Stibium  may  also  be  indicated.  See 
Pneumonia.  For  other  symptoms  see  also  pneumonia. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — If  much  fever  is  present,  the  same 
as  in  Pneumonia,  otherwise  articles  of  a  more  nourishing 
character,  such  as,  broth,  &c. 

LARYNGITIS. 
Cynanche  Laryngia. 

This  disease  in  its  acute  form  requires  prompt  and 
energetic  treatment,  as  it  is  frequently  exceedingly 
dangerous,  running  its  course  with  alarming  rapidity. 
It  has  numbered  among  its  victims  many  distinguished 
men,  among  the  rest  Washington.  Taken  at  its  com- 
mencement, it  is  generally  easily  relieved  by  skilful  ho- 
moeopathic treatment.  It  is  occasioned  by  inflammation 
of  the  parts  composing  the  larynx,  and  particularly  of 
the  mucous  membrane  covering  the  laryngeal  cartilage, 
including  the  epiglottis. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  is  a  sore  throat,  and  on  looking  into 
it  a  redness  of  the  fauces  and  uvula  is  perceptible,  not 
enough  however  to  account  for  the  excessive  restlessness 
and  anxiety,  and  the  great  difficulty  of  deglutition.  To 
the  difficulty  of  deglution  is  shortly  added  great  difficulty 
of  breathing.  The  respiration  is  attended  with  a  throt- 
tling noise,  and  the  act  of  inspiration  is  protracted  and 
wheezing,  as  if  the  air  were  dra"wn  through  a  narrow 
tube.  The  distress  seems  to  be  situated  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Pomum,  Adaini  or  Adam's  apple.  If  there  is 
cough,  it  is  with  a  harsh,  husky  and  abortive  sound.  The 


LARYNGITIS.  177 


voice  is  hoarse  or  sinks  to  a  scarcely  perceptible  whisper. 
The  face  is  flushed,  the  skin  hot  and  dry,  the  pulse  hard. 
As  the  disease  advances,  the  distress  increases,  the  coun- 
tenance becomes  pale,  or  livid,  anxious  and  ghastly; 
the  eyes  protrude,  the  restlessness  is  extreme,  the  diffi- 
culty of  breathing  becomes  greater,  there  is  a  constant 
desire  for  air,  and  unless  relieved,  death  by  strangulation 
speedily  ensues.  This  disease  occurs  in  both  sexes,  and 
at  all  ages. 

CAUSES. — It  is  generally  occasioned  by  exposure  to  cold, 
or  to  cold  and  dampness.  It  is  sometimes  produced  by 
mechanical  violence  or  chemical  injury  done  to  the  la- 
rynx, and  not  unfrequently  by  children  attempting  to 
swallow  boiling  water  from  the  spout  of  a  tea-kettle. 

TREATMENT. — The  external  application  of  the  wet  ban- 
dage is  often  advisable.  The  severity  of  this  disease, 
and  the  rapidity  with  which  it  runs  its  progress,  renders 
it  highly  important  that,  if  possible,  it  should  be  treated 
by  a  skilful  physician. 

Aconite  is  indicated,  when  the  symptoms  of  inflamma- 
tory fever  first  declare  themselves.  It  may  be  given, 
until  the  febrile  symptoms  abate,  or  until  other  symp- 
toms set  in. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours. 

Spongia  follows  well  after  Aconite,  and  is  indicated  as 
soon  as  the  breathing  becomes  shrill,  and  the  pain  and 
sensibility  in  the  upper  part  of  the  windpipe  becomes 
more  decided.  There  is  also  an  increase  of  hoarseness 
and  difficulty  of  articulation. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Hepar-s.  may  follow  Spongia,  when  that  remedy  ceases 

to  produce  a  good  efiect;  or  it  may  follow  Aconite,  when, 

notwithstanding  the  administration  of  that  remedy,  the 

febrile  symptoms  remain  unabated.     I  have  often  found 

8* 


178  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

it  advisable  to  alternate  Spongia  and  Uepar-s.,  one.  or 
two  hours  apart. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  one  or  two  hours. 

Merc.-Proto-Iod.,  or  Mercurius  may  be  given,  when 
the  throat  is  highly  inflamed  and  the  glands  swollen; 
should  there  be  a  secretion  of  viscid  or  ropy  mucus,  the 
Mercurius  may  be  alternated  with  Kali-bichrom.,  a 
powder  or  six  globules  one  hour  apart 

Bromine  will  prove  beneficial,  where  there  is  hoarse- 
ness, extreme  sensitiveness  of  the  throat,  dry  and  harsh 
cough,  sometimes  almost  sufFocative.  It  may  be  given 
once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Stibium  is  also  a  prominent  remedy,  where  the  symp- 
toms commence  with  severity ;  hoarseness,  dry,  harsh, 
and  ringing  cough,  sometimes  almost  sufFocative.  A 
powder  may  be  given  every  hour. 

Belladonna  will  likewise  prove  beneficial,  where  there 
are  spasms  in  the  throat,  causing  an  inability  to  swallow 
liquids ;  the  throat  on  looking  into  it  presents  a  swollen 
and  highly  inflamed  appearance. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Same  as  in  fevers. 

BRONCHITIS 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  lining  of  the 
Bronchia,  or  air-tubes  of  the  lungs. 

It  presents  itself  under  two  forms :  the  acute  and  chro- 
nic /  both  of  which  will  be  treated  separately. 

1.  Acute  Bronchitis.* — This  form  of  disease  very  often 
succeeds  Coryza,  or  cold  in  the  head,  although  in  those 
whose  lungs  are  highly  susceptible,  it  may  commence  at 
once  in  the  bronchia.  At  first  a  feeling  of  roughness  is 
felt  in  the  trachea,  which  soon  amounts  to  such  a  degree 

*   For  a  description  of  the  windpipe,  see  plate  6.    For  general  directions  as 
to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12 


BRONCHITIS.  179 


of  titillation,  as  to  excite  frequent  cough,  which  is  at 
first  dry  and  hard.  Hoarseness  is  also  present  as  well  as 
uneasiness  of  breathing,  tight  feeling  across  the  chest? 
frequently  amounting  to  pain,  particularly  on  coughing. 
There  is  generally  fever,  pain  in  the  limbs,  shivering 
and  rapidity  of  the  pulse.  The  cough  increases  in  se- 
verity and  is  accompanied  with  expectoration  of  froth 
or  viscid  mucus,  which  after  a  time  may  become  streaked 
with  blood. 

When  the  disease  terminates  favorably,  the  first  symp- 
toms of  improvement  are,  greater  freedom  of  breath- 
ing, remission  of  fever,  and  expectoration  diminished 
in  quantity,  and  becoming  thicker.  Where  it  terminates 
unfavorably,  the  breathing  becomes  more  and  more  dif- 
ficult, rapid  prostration  and  collapse  takes  place. 

TREATMENT.* — As  a  preventive  the  free,  daily  external 
use  of  cold  water  is  highly  beneficial. 

Aconite. — During  the  inflammatory  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease, and  where  there  is  obstructed  respiration,  dry  and 
frequent  cough,  excited  by  a  tickling  sensation  in  the 
throat  and  chest,  hoarseness,  hot  and  dry  skin,  with  rapid 
pulse. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  may  be  taken  every  three  or  four  hours.  Sometimes 
Stibium  is  preferable,  a  powder  given  at  the  same  intervals. 

Spongia  and  Hepar-s.,  generally  in  alternation  after 
the  use  of  Aconite,  when  there  is  hoarseness,  burning, 
tickling  in  the  larynx,  anxious,  laborious  respiration, 
hollow  dry  cough,  worse  towards  evening;  or  cough  with 
scanty  expectoration  viscid,  and  ropy. 

DOSE. — Of  the  former  one  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler 
of  water,  a  table-spoonful  at  a  dose;  of  the  latter  a  powder,  or  three 
globules,  on  the  tongue.  Give  three  or  four  hours  apart. 

Phosphorus. — This  is  a  very  prominent  remedy,  par- 

*  For  a  description  of  the  windpipe,  see  plate  5.  For  general  directions  as  to 
the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


180  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

ticularly  after  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  sub- 
sided, and  also  where  the  disease  assumes  a  chronic  cha- 
racter, or  where  there  is  danger  of  the  lungs  being  in- 
volved. There  may  by  oppression  of  breathing,  hoarse- 
ness, dry  cough,  pain  in  the  throat  and  chest.  Aggravat- 
ed by  talking. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Belladonna  is  frequently  useful,  where  there  is  violent 
pain  in  the  head,  soreness  of  the  throat,  short  and  rapid 
respiration,  dry  and  fatiguing  cough,  worse  at  night,  and 
oppression  of  the  chest. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water ;  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours.  Among  the  other  remedies 
useful  in  this  disease,  we  may  enumerate  Lack.,  Bry.,  Puls.,  Ipecac , 
Ars.,  Sulph.  and  Mercury  See  Materia  Medica. 

2.  Chronic  Bronchitis. — This  variety  of  the  disease 
may  follow  the  acute  form,  or  it  may  steal  on  gradually, 
until,  before  the  patient  is  really  aware  of  his  situation,  he 
is  fully  under  its  influence.  In  its  advanced  stage  it  is 
nearly  as  serious  a  disease  as  phthisis,  to  which  it  not 
unfrequently  leads,  and  with  which  its  symptoms  cor- 
respond so  closely,  that  there  is  sometimes  difficulty  in 
distinguishing  between  them.  As  this  disease  is  some- 
what long  in  duration,  and  generally  requires  the  treat- 
ment of  a  judicious  physician,  it  will  be  only  necessary 
to  mention  here  some  of  the  prominent  remedies;  among 
them  we  may  enumerate  :  Phos.,  Caust.,  Hepar-s.,  Stan., 
Sep.,  Lye.,  Bar.-c.,  Lac/i.,  Ars.,  Sil.,  Con^  Prot.-iod-hyd.t 
Nit-ac^  Sulph.  and  Calcarea.  See  also  Cough. 

HAEMOPTYSIS. 
Haemorrhage  from  the  Lungs. 

The  hawking  or  coughing  considerable  quantities  of 
blood,  or  the  welling  up  of  the  crimson  current,  as  from 
a  fountain,  often  produces  such  consternation  in  there 
minds  of  the  patient  and  surrounding  friends,  as  to  ren- 


HAEMOPTYSIS.  181 


der  them  entirely  unfit  for  those  prompt  and  decided 
steps  so  essential  to  safety,  and  upon  which,  in  fact,  the 
life  of  the  patient  may  hang.  The  haemorrhage  arising 
from  the  nose,  mouth,  or  throat  may  create  unnecessary 
alarm,  and  tend  to  the  supposition,  that  it  is  really  from 
the  lungs.  A  very  slight  inquiry  into  the  attending  cir- 
cumstances will  be  sufficient  to  detect  the  difference. 

DIAGNOSIS. — It  will  only  he  necessary  for  us  here  to 
speak  of  two  kinds  x)f  haemorrhage. 

First,  That  which  depends  on  congestion  to  the  lungs, 
and 

Second^  that  occasioned  by  consumption,  where  ulcera- 
tion  gradually  consumes  the  lung,  and  in  its  progress 
causes  the  rupture  of  some  of  the  larger  blood  vessels. 
This  latter  variety  not  unfrequently  dashes  to  earth  de- 
lusive hopes,  and  startles  the  patient  with  the  alarming 
fact,  that  a  disease,  the  very  name  of  which  excites  a 
thrill  of  terror,  is  weaving  its  meshes  around  the  foun- 
tain of  life,  and  drawing  its  victim  swiftly  into  the  arms 
of  death.  It  arouses  him  to  the  necessity  of  either  doing 
something,  if  it  be  nothing  more  than  a  change  of  air, 
or  be  content  to  die. 

T\&  first  variety  mentioned,  or  that  which  depends  on 
congestion  of  blood  to  the  lungs,  may  be  occasioned  by 
lifting,  violent  exertion,  mechanical  injury,  or  the  inhal- 
ing of  poisonous  gases  or  breathing  an  air  filled  with 
injurious  dust,  as  metal  filings,  or  the  dust  from  lime, 
tobacco,  &c.,  or  it  may  be  constitutional,  or  produced  by 
rapid  changes  of  temperature,  or  the  abuse  of  spirituous 
drinks.  It  is  frequently  occasioned  by  suppression  of 
blood  from  other  organs.  Thus  we  find  it  caused  by  the 
sudden  disappearance  of  the  piles,  in  'ladies  by  the  stop- 
page of  the  menses,  and  during  pregnancy,  by  the  pres- 
sure upward  produced  by  the  enlarging  womb.  Haemor- 
rhage more  frequently  occurs  between  the  ages  of  16 
and  40. 


182  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

The  haemorrhage  therefore  arising  from  simple  con- 
gestion of  the  chest  need  excite  but  little  alarm. 

The  most  dangerous  of  this  variety  of  haemorrhage  is 
the  apoplectic  ;  when  the  symptoms  of  an  apoplectic  fit 
are  present,  the  patient  looses  his  consciousness  and 
bloody  froth  is  seen  issuing  from  the  mouth. 

TREATMENT.* — In  severe  cases,  perfect  repose  in  a  half 
sitting,  half  lying  position  is  essential,  the  patient  should 
not  be  permitted  to  speak,  and  no  unnecessary  noise  or 
confusion  allowed  in  the  room.  In  the  absence  of  other 
remedies  a  teaspoonful  of  ordinary  table-salt  may  be 
carefully  given,  so  as  not  to  produce  choking,  in  water 
every  ten  minutes,  or  five  or  ten  drops  of  Sulphuric-acid, 
mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful 
given  in  the  same  manner,  until  relieved. 

Aconite  is  an  important  remedy  in  the  commencement 
of  the  difficulty.  There  is  generally  a  fullness  and  burn- 
ing pain  in  the  chest,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  feeble 
wiry  pulse,  pale  face,  restlessness  and  anxiety.  The 
blood  is  discharged  in  large  quantities,  at  short  intervals. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  may  be  given  every  ten  or  twenty  minutes,  but  if  after 
two  or  three  hours  no  relief  is  produced,  another  remedy  should  be 
chosen. 

Ipecac. — If  after  the  administration  of  the. Aconite  a 
taste  of  blood  should  remain  in  the  mouth,  or  there 
should  be  present  a  slight  hacking  cough,  with  expecto- 
ration, streaked  with  blood. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Arsenicum. — Anxiety,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  seething 
of  blood  in  the  chest,  worse  about  midnight,  and  spread- 
ing a  burning  heat  over  the  body ;  after  Hyosciamus,  in 
drunkards. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  dry  on  the  tongue,  or  one  drop  or  twelve  globules 
in  six  teaspoonsful  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  every  hour  until  relieved. 


For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  fee  page  12. 


HAEMOPTYSIS.  1 83 


Arnica — particularly  in  those  cases  occasioned  by 
mechanical  injuries  or  violent  exertion,  and  where  with 
but  slight  exertion,  blackish,  coagulated  blood  is  dis- 
charged, accompanied  with  stitches,  burning,  contracting 
pain  in  the  chest,  seething  of  blood,  palpitation  of  the 
heart  and  debility,  or  where  with  a  cough  excited  by 
irritation  under  t^e  sternum,  there  is  a  discharge  of 
bright  red,  frothy  blood,  sometimes  mixed  with  lumps 
of  mucus. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Millffolium,  is  a  prominent  remedy,  particularly 
where  there  is  a  discharge  of  blood,  with  but  slight,  if 
any  cough,  fermenting  sensation  in  the  chest,  with  sen- 
sation as  of  warm  blood  rising  in  the  throat.  Often  after 
Aconite,  a  dose  every  half  hour. 

flamamelis  is  another  prominent  remedy  in  severe 
haemorrhage. 

DOSE. — Six  drops  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water  and  in  severe  cases 
a  teaspoonful  every  ten  minutes,  increasing  the  intervals  to  two  or  three 
hours,  as  the  haemorrhage  and  pain  subside. 

.Belladonna. — Slight  cough  produced  by  tickling  in  the 
throat,  with  aggravation  of  the  haemorrhage,  sensation 
as  if  the  chest  were  full  of  blood  with  shooting  pains; 
worse  by  movement. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules,  in  ten  spoonsful  of  water,  a  spoon- 
ful every  half  hour. 

China. — Where  the  patient  is  debilitated  from  the 
loss  of  blood,  or  where  there  is  violent  dry  and  painful 
cough,  with  taste  of  blood  in  the  mouth,  shivering  with 
flushes  of  heat,  cloudiness  of  sight  and  bewilderment  of 
the  head. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Hyosciamus. — Where  it  is  preceded  by  a  dry  cough, 
particularly  at  night,  or  in  drunkards  after  Opium  or 
Nux-vom. 

Opium,. — Particularly  in  intemperate  persons,  or  where 
there  are  expectorations  of  thick  and  frothy  blood, 


184  AFFECTIONS    OF    STOMACH    AND    BOWELS. 

stifling  or  shortness  of  the  breath  and  anguish,  trembling 
of  the  arms,  sleepiness  and  anxious  starts. 

Dulcamara. — Especially  when  occasioned  by  cold. 

Tthus. — Restlessness,  tingling  in  the  chest,  discharge 
of  bright,  red  blood,  increased  by  the  least  moral 
emotion. 

Pulsatilla. — In  obstinate  cases,  with  expectoration  of 
black  coagulated  blood,  anxiety  and  shivering,  parti- 
cularly at  night ;  also  when  the  difficulty  is  produced  by 
suppression  of  the  catamenia. 

Nux-v. — Frequently  after  Ipecac,  or  Arsenicum  and 
in  drunkards  after  Opium,  or  where  there  is  tickling  in 
the  chest  with  cough,  worse  towards  morning ;  also  when 
occasioned  by  cold,  anger,  or  a  sudden  suppression  of 
hsemorrhoidal  discharge. 

Curb.-v. — Particularly  in  persons  who  have  taken 
Mercury,  and  where  there  is  burning  pain  in  the  chest, 
and  where  the  patient  is  very  susceptible  to  changes  of 
weather. 

Sulphur,  Ignatwb)  Sdbinat  Stannum,  also  deserve 
attention. 

DOSE. — In  violent  cases  same  as  Aconite,  where  the  discharge  is 
slight  every  six  or  twelve  hours.  In  apoplectic  cases  Aconite  should 
be  given  immediately,  either  in  alternation  with,  or  followed  by 
Opium,  in  half  an  hour's  time,  if  no  relief  is  obtained. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  patient  should  be  kept  cool. 
Stimulating  food  and  drink  should  be  avoided,  and  both 
food  and  drink  given  invariably  cold.  If  the  feet 
should  become  cold,  they  may  be  put  in  warm  water. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  CHEST. 

Determination  of  blood  to  the  chest  is  not  an  un- 
frequent  difficulty  with  young  people  when  the  form  is 
being  rapidly  developed,  and  also  in  persons  of  a 
phthisical  habit. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Palpitation  of  the  heart  with  short  and 
oppressive  breathing,  fullness  and  weight  in  the  chest, 


CONGESTION  OF  THE  CHEST.  185 


coldness  of  the  extremities.  Slight  cough  is  sometimes 
present. 

TREATMENT.* — Nux-w.  is  a  prominent  remedy  when  pro- 
duced by  a  sedentary  mode  of  life,  abuse  of  spirits,  or 
continued  mental  exertion,  and  where  there  is  palpita- 
tion of  the  heart,  short,  panting  breath,  oppression, 
anxiety,  asthmatic  distress,  heat  and  burning  in  the 
chest,  particularly  at  night,  with  great  restlessness  and 
agitation ;  also  sensation  around  the  chest,  as  if  the 
clothes  where  too  tight. 

DOSE. — Dissolve  one  drop,  a  powder  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass 
half  full  of  water,  and  give  ateaspoonful  every  half  hour  until  four  doses 
have  been  taken,  and  then  every  two  hours  until  a  change  or  another 
remedy  is  indicated. 

Belladonna. — Palpitation  of  the  heart  and  strong  pul- 
sations in  the  chest  affecting  the  head;  shortness  of 
breath,  short  cough,  internal  heat  and  thirst,  and  some- 
times slight  spasms  in  the  chest. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

China. — Especially  where  there  have  been  debilitating 
losses,  with  palpitation  of  the  heart,  dyspnoea  and  op- 
pression, with  great  anguish. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Aconite. — Great  heat  and  thirst,  shortness  of  breath, 
with  violent  oppression,  and  palpitation  of  the  heart. 

Phosphoru: . — Oppression  with  heaviness,  fullness,  and 
tightness  in  the  chest;  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
sensation  of  heat  ascending  to  the  throat. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Mercury. — Anxious  oppression,  with  desire  to  take  a 
long  breath,  burning  in  the  chest,  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  cough  with  expectoration  of  blood. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Spongia. — Where  the  difficulty  is  produced  by  fatiguing 
exercise,  is  accompanied  with  prostration  and  nausea, 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


186  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

or  where  it  is  brought  on  by  the  slightest  movement  or 
exertion. 

Pulsatilla. — When  it  occurs  before  menstruation,  or 
when  that  has  suddenly  stopped. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux. 

Bryonia. — When  there  is  constipation  or  piles,  which 
have  been  suddenly  suppressed.  It  may  frequently  be 
alternated  with  Pulsatilla. 

DOSE.'— Same  as  Nux. 

PULMONARY   CONSUMPTION. 
Phthisis  Pulinondlis. 

We  come  now  to  speak  of  a  disease  which  in  our  ever- 
changing  climate  is  constantly  scattering  its  seeds  over 
the  land,  gathering  its  victims  alike  among  the  poor  and 
lowly,  the  sons  and  daughters  of  toil,  and  the  gay  votaries 
of  fashion,  the  lovers  of  luxurious  ease,  and  the  mighty 
throng  which  ever  crowd  the  various  paths  of  dissipation. 
Consumption,  ghastly  messenger  of  death,  how  many 
cheeks  have  paled  as  thou  with  stealthy  footsteps  and 
almost  noiseless  tread  hast  glided  into  the  sanctuary  of 
their  home ;  how  many  young  mothers  hast  thou  laid  in 
an  early  tomb ;  how  many  bright  golden  links,  uniting 
hearts  in  fond  affection,  severed  with  thy  corroding 
touch ;  how  many  barks  freighted  with  the  wealth  of 
genius,  of  beauty,  of  deep  and  holy  love,  have  gone 
down  into  the  dark  ocean  of  death  at  thy  bidding ! 

To  move  on,  day  after  day,  week  after  week,  and 
perhaps  month  after  month,  your  friends  feeling  that 
with  each  revolving  sun  the  hectic  flush  is  growing 
brighter,  the  step  more  feeble,  the  form  more  attenuated, 
and  the  stern  and  perhaps  unwelcome  truth  at  length 
forcing  itself  upon  your  own  mind,  for  the  victim  is  too 
often  buoyed  up  with  a  delusive  hope,  and  the  last  to 
awake  to  his  real  situation,  that  the  sands  in  your  hour- 
glass are  fast  running  out,  that  death  is  drawing  you 


PULMONARY    CONSUMPTION.  187 

on,  slowly  it  may  be,  yet  with  a  strength,  you  cannot 
resist,  to  his  cold  embrace,  into  that  dim  and  shadowy 
spirit  world,  where  his  power  ends,  and  the  roar  of  time's 
waves  is  never  heard  —  this  is  consumption. 

In  another  chapter  it  has  been  necessary  for  me  to 
refer  to  the  causes  of  this  disease,  and  to  urge  the  im- 
portance of  watching  for  its  first  stealthy  footsteps,  and 
thus  guarding  against  its  entrance,  or  eradicating  it 
before  it  has  become  so  deeply  planted  as  to  defy 
control. 

I  have  spoken  of  it  in  the  chapter  on  the  causes  and 
prevention  of  disease,  as  the  result  of  hereditary  taint, 
slow  perhaps  in  its  progress,  as  the  sequele  of  other 
diseases,  as  produced  by  dissipation,  exposure  to  sudden 
changes  of  temperature,  imprudence  in  living  and  dress, 
and  various  other  causes. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  incipient  stage  of  consumption  can  ~be 
cured,  and  even  where  it  is  hereditary,  I  am  strongly 
inclined  to  believe,  that  by  means  of  proper  physical, 
moral,  and  mental  training,  a  proper  education  of  the 
whole  system  in  childhood,  in  very  many  cases  at  least, 
the  children  may  escape  the  doom  of  the  parents.  I  say 
that  consumption  in  its  incipient  stage  may  be  cured, 
but  beware  how  you  allow  it  to  fasten  its  fangs  deep  in 
the  system,  how  you  disregard  the  slight  hacking  cough, 
the  growing  sensation  of  languor,  the  weakness  of  the 
chest,  the  increasing  flush  on  the  check,  and  those  other 
symptoms  which  perhaps  at  first  may  be  easily  removed, 
but  which,  disregarded,  are  like  the  easy  gentle  motion 
of  the  boat  gliding  along  the  outer  circle  of  the  mael- 
strom, the  victim  unconscious  of  danger,  until,  rushing 
on  with  increased  rapidity  he  is  startled,  when,  alas,  too 
late,  by  the  roaring  vortex  below. 

The  general  symptoms  of  phthisis  are,  cough,  dyspnosa, 
expectoration,  hasmoptysis,  night-sweats  and  wasting, 
hectic  fever,  hoarseness,  or  loss  of  voice,  diarrhoea,  and 


188  AFFECTIONS  OF  "WINDPIPE  AND  CHEST. 

various  other  symptoms,  marking  the  different  stages  of 
the  disease. 

Cough  is  one  of  the  earliest  symptoms.  It  is  at  first 
generally  slight  and  dry,  occurring  particularly  on  get- 
ting into  the  bed  at  night,  on  getting  up  in  the  morning, 
or  after  any  unusual  exertion.  It  soon  becomes  more 
troublesome,  and  is  attended  with  more  or  less  expecto- 
ration. Haemoptysis,  another  symptom  is  a  kind  of 
expectoration;  the  expectoration  of  blood.  This  is  a 
common  symptom,  but  I  have  already  spoken  of  it  under 
a  separate  head.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  patient 
is  troubled  with  shortness  of  breath  after  but  very  little 
exertion,  and  particularly  on  going  up-stairs  or  ascending 
even  a  slight  eminence. 

Hectic  fever  gradually  steals  on.  The  patient  may  in 
the  evening  feel  chilly,  and  at  night  flushed  and  hot, 
the  skin,  particularly  the  hands  and  feet,  dry  and  burn- 
ing, followed  during  sleep  and  towards  morning  by 
profuse  and  exhausting  perspiration.  This  perspiration 
is  generally  more  copious  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
body,  the  chest  and  head,  and  almost  invariably  comes 
on  during  sleep,  the  patient  on  awakening  often  finding 
himself  drenched. 

Diarrhoea  is  another  very  common  symptom,  more 
frequently,  however  occurring  during  the  latter  part  of 
the  disea&e,  and  rapidly  prostrating  the  strength  of  the 
patient.  The  voice  sometimes  for  months  is  almost 
entirely  extinct,  the  patient  grows  weaker  and  weaker, 
until  at  length  he  glides  almost  without  a  struggle  into 
the  arms  of  death.  Or  perhaps  for  a  time  the  unpleasant 
symptoms  may  abate,  the  strength  begin  to  return,  and 
brightening  hope  whisper  to  the  soul  promises  of  return- 
ing health,  when  the  blow  falls  and  all  is  over.  In 
tubercular  consumption,  the  tubercles  may  exist  for 
years  without  disturbing  the  health,  when  by  proper 
treatment  they  can  be  removed,  but  at  length  they  soften 


PULMONARY  CONSUMPTION.  189 

and  produce  ulceration.  The  rapid  form  of  consumption, 
which  is  frequently  seen  among  the  young,  and  after 
debilitating  diseases,  is  rightly  called  galloping  con- 
sumption, for  its  course  is  short. 

In  tuberculous  persons,  syphilitic,  and  eruptive  dis- 
eases, there  is  often  a  transfer  of  the  disease  from 
external  organs  to  the  lungs,  developing  a  consumption, 
which  speedily  carries  off  the  patient. 

TREATMENT. — The  treatment  of  this  disease  in  all  its 
stages  covers  so  broad  a  field  as  to  render  it  not  only 
impossible  but  unnecessary  to  go  into  the  particulars 
here,  as  the  skill  and  care  of  a  judicious  physician  are 
necessary  in  its  treatment.  For  the  appropriate  reme- 
dies in  the  incipient  stage,  consult  "cough"  "inflamma- 
tion of  the  lungs"  dec.  In  the  more  advanced  stages, 
among  the  prominent  remedies  are,  Arsenic,  /Stan.,  Merc., 
Phos.,  Calc^  Carb.-v.,  Hepar-s^  Kal.-carb.,  Nit.-ac.,  and 
Iodine. 

Aconite  and  Belladonna  are  more  particularly  indi- 
cated in  the  congestive  variety  or  when  there  is  sore 
throat,  glandular  swelling  with  heat  and  fever. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours  until  a  change.  See  also  congestion  of 
the  chest. 

Calcarea-carb.  Cough  as  if  produced  constant  cough, 
dry  and  exhausting,  with  pain  in  the  chest.  Offensive 
brown  expectoration  mixed  with  pus ;  cough  with  lumpy 
purulent  greenish  or  yellow  expectoration;  stitches  in 
the  side  of  the  chest  on  coughing,  breathing  or  moving 
about;  chill  with  thirst;  diarrhoea  alternating  with  con- 
stipation, perspiration  on  the  chest  at  night;  chill  with 
thirst. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  morning  and  night,  until  a  change. 

Phosphorus.  A  valuable  remedy;  for  the  indications 
see  Cough  and  Pneumonia. 

Stannum.     Constant  tendencv  to  cough  with  sensation 

w 

of  mucus  in  the  chest.     Violent  fatiguing  cough,  at  times 


190  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

dry,  at  others  moist ;  cough  with  greenish  or  yellowish  ex- 
pectoration of  a  sweetish  or  saltish  taste.  Pains  all  over 
the  chest;  oppression  and  difficulty  in  speaking;  sense  of 
suffocation. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Cleanliness,  fresh  air,  and  as  even 
a  temperature  as  possible,  are  of  course  essential.  Often 
simply  a  change  of  air,  going  from  a  cold  to  a  warmer 
or  more  temperate  climate  will  be  sufficient  to  arrest  a 
disease  which  seemed  almost  hopeless.  In  selecting  the 
food,  the  wishes  and  feelings  of  the  patient  should  be 
consulted,  taking  care,  however,  that  while  the  food  is 
as  nourishing  as  may  be,  it  is  as  little  stimulating  as 
possible. 

ASTHMA. 

This  is  a  spasmodic  disease,  producing  a  constriction 
of  the  bronchial  tubes,  often  hereditary,  incident  to  both 
sexes,  but  more  common  in  men  than  in  women.  The 
air  tubes  of  the  lungs  are  encircled  by  minute  bands  of 
muscular  structure,  which  like  other  muscular  fibres  may 
be  affected  by  spasms.  These  spasms  of  course  contract 
the  air  tubes,  and  the  difficulty  of  breathing  and  the 
wheezing  respiration  is  occasioned  by  the  air  being  forced 
through  the  narrowed  channels  for  respiration. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  is  great  difficulty  of  breathing; 
coming  on  in  paroxysms  and  accompanied  with  loud 
wheezing  respiration,  passing  off  in  a  few  hours  with 
more  or  less  expectoration. 

If  the  patient  has  ever  suffered  from  an  attack,  there 
are  generally  premonitory  symptoms  sufficiently  pro- 
minent to  indicate  its  approach,  such  as  loss  of  appetite, 
languor,  drowsiness,  oppression,  and  chilliness.  The  dys- 
pnoea more  generally  comes  on  after  midnight,  but  not 
unfrequently  occurs  during  the  afternoon  and  evening. 
There  is  a  sense  of  constriction  about  the  chest,  and 
urgent  desire  for  fresh  air,  often  causing  the  patient  to 


ASTHMA.  191 


rush  to  the  open  window,  however  cold  may  be  the  night, 
and  a  loud  wheezing  respiration.  These  symptoms  often 
last  for  several  hours,  when  remission  gradually  takes 
place.  The  attacks  may  return  at  longer  or  shorter  in- 
tervals, and  when  they  cease  with  little  or  no  expectora- 
tion, the  case  is  said  to  be  one  of  dry  asthma,  but  when 
expectoration  is  copious ;  it  is  called  humid  or  humoral 
a-thma.  Asthma  is  often  connected  with  organic  dis- 
ease of  the  heart  and  large  blood-vessels. 

CAUSES. — This  disease,  as  we  have  already  said,  may 
be  hereditary,  or  it  may  be  occasioned  by  certain  states 
of  the  atmosphere  irritating  the  surface  of  the  air-pas- 
sages, or  by  certain  influences,  which  affect  in  a  peculiar 
way  the  nervous  system ;  thus  nearly  all  the  exciting 
causes  of  catarrh  may  produce  asthma.  Some  breathe 
with  the  most  freedom  in  the  keen  air  of  the  mountain 
top,  others  in  moist,  low  places ;  not  unfrequently  the 
breathing  will  be  exceedingly  difficult  in  one  street  and 
perfectly  easy  in  another  not  half  a  mile  distant.  A  per- 
son at  a  hotel  in  Paris  could  sleep  perfectly  well  in  a 
room  in  the  front  of  the  house,  but  found  it  impossible 
to  sleep  in  the  back  part,  from  the  asthma. 

TREATMENT. — Before  giving  the  symptomatic  indica- 
tion for  the  different  remedies  it  may  present  the  treat- 
ment in  a  clearer  light,  to  classify  the  remedies  according 
to  the  exciting  causes  of  the  disease. 

When  occasioned  by  a  congestion  of  blood  in  the  chest, 
Aeon.,  Bell.,  Nux-v.,  Phos.,  Cupr.  or  Puts,  may  be  con- 
sulted. 

By  a  derangement  of  the  menses  :  Bell.,  Cocc.,  Nux^v., 
Puls.,  Sep.,  Cuprum. 

By  flatulence :  Cham.,  Chin.,  JWux-v.,  Sulph.,  Verat. 

When  it  simply  presents  the  form  of  cramps  in  the 
chest:  Bell.,  Coc.,  Cupr.,  Moschus,  Nux-w^  Stram.,  Stib. 
and  Bryonia. 


192  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

When  occasioned  by  inspiration  of  dust :  Calc., 
Sulph.,  Ipecac. 

When  the  result  of  a  chill :  Dulc.,  Aeon.,  Bell.,  Bry., 
Ipecac.,  Arsenic. 

In  consequence  of  moral  emotions :  Ignatia.,  Coff., 
Cham.,  Nux-vom. 

From  suppressed  catarrh:  Ars^  Ipecac.,  JVux-vom., 
Samb.,  Stibium. 

In  hysterical  women  :  Coff.,  Ignatia,  Moschus,  Stram., 
Asa.,  Ipecac.,  Ars.,  Pulsatllla. 

In  aged  persons :  Con.,  Op.,  CampJi.,  Carb.-v.,  Arsenic. 

When  moist  with  accumulation  of  mucus  in  the 
bronchia :  Ipecac.,  Ars*,  Bay.,  Puts.,  Sulph.,  Stan.,  J^hos., 
Stibium. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATIONS. — Ipecac.,  Arsenic  and  Bryo- 
nia  are  the  most  prominent  remedies,  and  perhaps  more 
frequently  indicated,  than  any  other.  If  the  attack 
should  come  on  suddenly,  it  would  be  safe  to  give  a  dose 
of  Ipecac ,  until  the  remedy  most  indicated  could  be 
ascertained. 

Ipecac., — Nocturnal  paroxysms  of  suffocation,  spas- 
modic constriction  of  the  larynx,  rattling  in  the  chest 
from  mucus ;  great  anguish ;  short  dry  cough,  redness 
and  heat,  or  paleness  and  coldness  of  the  face  alter- 
nately ;  nausea  with  cold  perspiration  on  the  forehead, 
anxious,  rapid  and  moaning  respiration,  or  respiration 
short  and  obstructed,  as  from  dust.  It  may  be  followed 
or  alternated  with  Arsenic,  Bryonia  or  Nux. 

Bryonia. — Obstructed  respiration,  increased  by  talk- 
ing or  movement,  particularly  at  night  or  toward  morn 
ing,  frequent  cough  with  pressure  or  shooting  pain  in 
the  chest  aggravated  by  movement ;  palpitation  of  the 
heart ;  difficult,  moaning  anxious  respiration,  intermixed 
with  deep  inspirations. 

Arsenicum — Obstructed  respiration,  cough,  and  ac- 
cumulation of  thick  mucus  in  the  chest ;  oppression  at 


ASTHMA.  193 

the  chest  and  want  of  breath  at  every  movement ;  con- 
striction in  the  chest  and  larynx  with  painful  pressure 
on  the  lungs,  worse  in  a  warm  room.  Suifocative  fits, 
particularly  at  night  or  in  the  evening  in  bed,  with  pant- 
ing or  wheezing  respiration,  great  anguish  and  cold 
perspiration.  Remission  of  the  attack  on  the  appear- 
ance of  cough,  and  renewal  during  rough  weather  and 
changes  of  temperature.  The  attacks  are  often  accom- 
panied with  great  weakness  and  burning  pain  in  the 
chest,  Arsenic  is  frequently  required  after  Ipecac.,  and  is 
indicated  in  most  cases  of  chronic  as  well  as  acute 
asthma. 

Nux-vom. — Where  Arsenic  fails  to  produce  relief,  and 
where  the  constriction  is  in  the  lower  part  of  the  chest, 
even  the  clothes  producing  a  sensation  of  tightness  and 
oppression ;  short  cough  with  difficult  expectoration ; 
sputa  tinged  with  blood ;  congestion  toward  the  chest, 
with  heat,  burning,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  general 
uneasiness ;  asthma  relieved  by  lying  on  the  back,  turn- 
ing and  sitting  up. 

Belladonna. — Particularly  in  children,  and  women 
subject  to  spasms,  with  congestion  and  pulsation  in  the 
head  and  chest;  oppressed  breathing  and  want  of  breath ; 
dry  cough  at  night ;  anxious  and  moaning  respiration,  at 
times  deep,  at  others  short  and  rapid ;  constriction  of 
the  larynx  with  danger  of  suffocation,  and  sometimes 
loss  of  consciousness. 

Pulsatitta — especially  in  children  after  the  sup- 
pression of  a  miliary  eruption ;  and  in  hysterical  persons 
after  the  cessation  of -the  catamenia  or  from  taking  cold  : 
rapid,  short  and  rattling  respiration ;  choking  as  from 
the  vapor  of  sulphur ;  paroxysms  of  suffocation,  with 
anguish,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  spasmodic  constriction 
of  the  larynx  and  chest,  particularly  at  night  or  on  lying 
in  a  horizontal  position ;  short,  panting  cough,  expectora- 
tion of  sanguineous  mucus,  tension,  fullness,  pressure 
9 


194  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

and   shooting  in  the   chest     Asthma  aggravated   by 
movement 

Phosphorus. — Dyspnoea,  obstructed  respiration  and 
oppression  of  the  chest,  especially  in  the  evening  and 
during  movement ;  great  anguish  or  spasmodic  constric- 
tion in  the  chest ;  nocturnal  attacks  of  suffocation  as 
from  paralysis  of  the  lungs ;  palpitation  of  the  heart, 
short  cough,  shooting  pain,  heaviness,  fullness,  and  con- 
gestion of  blood  to  the  chest.  Alternate  with  Bella- 
donna, and  where  there  is  danger  of  paralysis  of  the 
lungs,  with  Stibium. 

Stibium. — Especially  in  children  and  aged  persons, 
and  where  there  is  anxious  oppression,  dyspnoea ;  chok- 
ing and  paroxysms  of  suffocation  in  the  evening  or 
morning,  with  rattling  of  mucus  in  the  chest,  violent 
cpugh,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  congestion  of  blood 
to  the  chest 

Suljthur. — Particularly  in  chronic  cases,  where  there 
are  nocturnal  paroxysms  of  suffocation,  and  obstructed 
respiration,  fullness,  painful  weariness,  burning,  and  con- 
gestion in  the  chest;  expectoration  of  mucus,  detached 
with  difficulty  and  sometimes  of  a  bloody  appearance ; 
spasms  in  the  chest,  constriction  and  pain  in  the  sternum 
short  respiration  and  inability  to  speak. 

Veratrum. — In  spasmodic  asthma  where  there  is  pros- 
tration and  coldness  of  the  extremities. 

SamJwcm. —  Principally  in  children,  and  where  there 
are  choking  when  lying  down;  wheezing  and  rapid 
respiration,  nocturnal  paroxysm  of  suffocation  with  spas- 
modic constriction  ;  great  anguish  rattling  of  mucus  in 
the  chest  and  paroxysms  of  suffocating  cough. 

Aconite. — Principally  in  sensitive  persons  and  young 
girls  of  plethoric  habit,  especially  if  occasioned  by  moral 
emotion,  and  where  there  is  dyspnoea,  suffocative  cough 
at  night,  anxious,  short,  and  difficult  respiration,  conges- 
tion in  the  head  with  vertigo. 


ASTHMA.  195 

Cuprum. — In  children  and  hysterial  persons,  after  a 
fright,  anger,  a  chill,  and  hefore  the  catamenia ;  spas- 
modic constriction  of  the  chest ;  obstructed  respiration 
on  walking ;  short,  spasmodic  cough  with  paroxysms  of 
suffocation,  and  whistling  on  trying  to  taKe  a  deep  in- 
spiration. 

China. — Dyspnoea  and  oppression  with  inability  to 
breathe  on  lying  with  the  head  low ;  wheezing  in  the 
chest  when  drawing  breath ;  spasmodic  cough  and  noc- 
tural  paroxysm^  of  suffocation ;  sanguineous  sputa ;  pal- 
pitation of  the  heart,  and  prostration  of  strength. 

Cocculus. — Especially  in  hysterical  persons,  where 
there  is  dyspnoea,  constriction  in  the  throat  and  chest, 
with  oppression,  particularly  at  night. 

Ohamomilla. — In  children  after  a  cold  or  a  fit  of 
passion,  and  when  there  are  paroxysms  of  suffocation, 
swelling  about  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  agitation  and 
cries. 

Moschus. — For  hysterical  persons  and  children,  and 
where  there  is  oppression  and  spasmodic  constriction  of 
the  chest  and  larynx,  particularly  after  a  cold. 

Opium. — Deep  stertorous  and  rattling  respiration; 
obstructed  breathing,  choking,  suffocating  cough,  and 
paroxysms  of  suffocation  during  sleep,  like  nightmare. 

Calco/rea. — In  chronic  cases,  and  where  there  is  ob- 
structed respiration,  and  frequent  dry  cough,  as  from 
dust,  particularly  at  night. 

Ignatia. — Especially  when  occasioned  by  fright,  grief 
or  indignation. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  of  the  selected  remedy,  in 
a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six 
globules  on  the  tongue.  In  severe  cases  give  every  half  hour,  in- 
creasing the  intervals  to  four  hours.  In  chronic  cases  give  morning 
and  night. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Persons  subject  to  the  asthma 
should  bathe  the  chest  morning  and  night,  at  first  with 
tepid  water,  gradually  lowering  the  temperature  until  it 


196  AFFECTIONS    OF   WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

reaches  the  natural  coldness.  Coffee  and  greasy  sub- 
stances should  be  avoided.  Often  when  the  paroxysm 
is  excessively  severe,  it  may  be  relieved  by  strong  coffee, 
tobacco,  or  strammonium  smoke. 

2.    AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  HEART. 

These  affections  we  shall  divide  into  two  classes : 
a.  Acute,    b.  Chronic. 

a.  ACUTE  DISEASE  OF  THE  HEART. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  heart  seldom  exists  alone, 
but  is  nearly  always  connected  with  rheumatism.  So 
generally  is  this  the  case  that  it  is  sometimes  called 
u rheumatic  inflammation  of  the  heart" 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  patient  suffering  perhaps  from  rheu- 
matism, becomes  anxious,  peevish  and  flighty.  There 
is  an  oppression  and  hurried  beating  of  the  heart,  pal- 
pitation, and  perhaps  a  dry  cough.  Pain  is  felt  on  press- 
ing over  the  region  of  the  heart,  and  is  increased  by  a 
deep  inspiration.  The  pulse  is  very  irregular,  generally 
weak,  small  and  contracted. 

The  head  is  of  course  considerably  affected,  and  not 
unfrequently  is  mistaken  for  the  seat  of  the  disease. 
The  patient  may  become  very  obstinate,  cunning,  or 
taciturn,  or  excessively  stupid,  and  at  length  perhaps 
maniacal,  exceedingly  restless,  or  shaken  with  convulsions. 

CAUSES. — Besides  being  frequently  the  result  of  the 
transition  of  rheumatism  to  the  heart,  this  disease  may 
arise  from  cold,  violent  blows,  injuries,  &c. 

TREATMENT. — The  prominent  remedy  is  Aconite,  a  dose 
every  half  hour,  in  alternation  with,  or  followed  by 
JBryonia,  Nux-vom^  Cocc.,  Ars.,  Cannabis,  Dig.,  JBett., 
Phos^  Spigelia,  a  dose  once  in  from  one  to  three  hours. 
See  palpitation  of  the  heart. 


AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    HEART. 


197 


5.  CHRONIC  AFFECTIONS. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Difficulty  of  breathing,  and  palpitation  of 
the  heart,  particularly  on  ascending  an  eminence.  Short- 
ness of  breath,  violent  beating  of  the  heart  like  the 
blows  of  a  hammer;  the  beating  extends  over  a  larger 
space  than  usual ;  occasional  pain,  although  neither  this 
nor  palpitation  are  always  present.  Pulse  sometimes  in- 
termittent, at  others  excessively  irregular ;  slow,  weak, 
and  faltering,  or  quick  and  fluttering.  There  are  gene- 
rally headache,  irritability  of  temper,  sometimes  cough, 
spitting  of  blood,  and  dropsical  swelling  of  the  legs. 

CAUSES. — We  '  have  already  described,  in  the  chapter 
on  anatomy,  the  formation  and  functions  of  the  heart, 
but  to  impress  the  matter  still  more  strongly  on  the 
mind  of  the  reader,  we  will  recapitulate  some  facts  here. 
The  heart,  the  great  central  point,  the  balance-wheel  of 
the  circulation,  contains  four  chambers ;  into  these  the 
blood  passes  from  every  part  of  the  body,  and  by  their 
contraction  is  forced  out,  and  conveyed  through  the 
appropriate  channels,  arterialized  and  charged  with  life, 
to  the  most  remote  parts  of  the  system. 


198  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

To  make  the  matter  still  more  plain,  let  the  foregoing 
diagram  represent  the  passage  of  blood  through  the 
heart. 

For  the  sake  of  convenience  I  have  represented  the 
heart  in  the  form  of  a  square.  This,  however  as  the 
reader  is  well  aware  is  not  the  case.  The  arrows  repre- 
sent the  current  of  blood.  A  and  l>  represent  the  right 
heart,  divided  into  two  chambers  by  the  valve  or  folding- 
door  which  is  seen  partly  open,  the  blood  passing  through, 
as  represented  by  the  arrows. 

1  indicates  the  vein  through  which  venous  or  defiled 
blood  enters  the  heart  from  the  head,  and  2  represents 
the  vein  through  which  the  venous  blood  from  all  the 
rest  of  the  system,  ascending,  mingles  with  the  descend- 
ing blood  from  the  head  at  e  and  enter  together. 

Into  the  first  chamber,  or  auricle,  of  the  right  heart, 
a,  we  have  then  entering  the  blackened  and  impure 
blood  from  every  part  of  the  system.  Passing  through 
the  valve  or  folding-door,  it  enters  the  lower  chamber  or 
ventricle  b,  and  from  thence  at  f  passes  into  the  lungs  g, 
and  there  undergoing  a  chemical  change,  in  which  its 
impurities  are  exchanged  for  oxygen,  the  life-giving  pro- 
perty of  air,  it  quits  the  lungs  at  //,  ascends  behind  the 
great  artery  i  and  enters  the  first  chamber  of  the  left 
heart  <?,  descends  through  the  folding-door  or  valve  into 
the  lower  chamber  d,  and  now,  having  passed  through 
the  entire  suit  of  rooms,  thrown  off  its  impurities  and 
become  again  charged  with  life,  it  passes  from  the  heart 
into  the  great  aorta  «',  and  is  conveyed  on  its  mission  of 
life  to  every  part  of  the  system. 

We  have  seen  that  the  blood  is  forced  from  one  cham- 
ber to  the  other  by  the  contraction  of  these  chambers  or 
pouches,  how  is  it  then,  for  instance,  that  on  the  contrac- 
tion of  the  lower  chamber  of  the  right  heart,  the  blood 
is  not  forced  upward  into  the  upper  chamber  as  well  a.s 
downward  into  the  lungs  1  This  is  obviated  by  the  valve 


AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    HEART.  199 

which  is  seen  opening  downward.  The  contraction  of 
the  chamber  closes  this  valve,  and  prevents  the  blood 
ascending. 

The  same  arrangement  also  exists  at/1  and  •/,  thus  pre- 
venting the  blood  returning  to  the  heart.  It  will  very 
readily  be  perceived  that  the  heart  has  a  most  important 
function  to  perform,  and  that  any  derangement  of  its 
machinery  is  speedily  felt  throughout  the  system.  These 
valves  must  play  with  the  utmost  nicety,  these  chambers 
must  contain  the  requisite  amount  of  strength,  and 
where  this  mechanism  is  prevented  from  the  full  per- 
formance of  its  duty,  serious  results  are  the  consequence. 

We  are  now  prepared  to  look  at  the  cause  of  some  of 
the  diseases  of  the  heart. 

The  valves  it  has  been  seen,  to  perform  their  functions 
aright,  transmitting  the  blood  from  one  chamber  to  the 
other,  and  preventing  its  return,  must  open  and  close 
with  the  utmost  freedom,  and  fit  with  the  greatest  nicety. 
They,  however,  sometimes  lose  their  soft  and  flexible 
character  and  become  stiff,  bony  and  immoveable.  The 
valve  or  door  between  the  upper  and  lower  (a  and  5) 
chamber  of  the  right  heart,  remaining  perhaps  half  open, 
and  fixed  in  its  petition,  prevents  the  blood  from  passing 
with  the  freedom,  it  would  have  done  if  the  valve  had 
remained  wide  opeti,  into  the  lower  chamber,  and  on  the 
contraction  of  that  chamber,  is  no  obstacle  to  its  being 
forced  into  the  upper  chamber  as  well  as  into  the  lungs. 

The  consequence  therefore  is,  that  a  deficient  amount 
of  blood  is  forced  into  the  lungs,  a  portion  being  driven 
back  into  the  upper  chamber.  Thus  it  will  readily  be 
seen,  that  the  upper  chamber  is  constantly  gorged  and 
distended  with  blood,  and  this  partial  stoppage  or  stagna- 
tion of  course  produces  a  like  stagnation  of  the  blood 
flowing  into  this  chamber.  It  will  very  easily  be  per- 
ceived then  that  there  can  he  no  free  transmission  of 
venous  blood  from  the  brain  through  the  stagnant  vein 


200  AFFECTIONS    OF    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

opening  into  the  upper  chamber,  and  the  choked  up  and 
congested  state  of  that  chamber  must,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  produce  congestion  and  engorgement  of  the  brain 
The  vessels  of  the  brain  are  engorged,  because  they  can- 
not empty  themselves  into  the  already  engorged  vein  (1), 
which  is  gorged  because  it  cannot  empty  itself  into  the 
distended  chamber  a,  distended,  because  the  blood  not 
only  cannot  pass  freely  into  the  lower  chamber,  but  a 
portion  of  what  does  pass,  is  driven  back. 

A  large  portion  of  the  blood  from  the  lower  parts  of 
the  body  in  returning  to  the  heart  passes  through  the 
liver.  The  vein  (2)  not  being  able,  for  the  reasons  ex- 
pressed above,  to  empty  its  contents  into  the  upper 
chamber  of  the  heart  as  rapidly  as  necessary,  a  similar 
state  of  engorgement  of  the  liver  and  the  lower  organs 
may  take  place,  from  the  same  cause  as  in  the  brain. 

When  the  valve  of  the  left  heart  is  affected  in  the 
way  just  described  with  the  right  heart,  the  same  con- 
sequences result  to  the  lungs,  as  we  have  just  seen  are 
produced  on  the  brain,  liver,  and  other  organs.  The 
chamber  c  becomes  gorged  in  the  same  way  as  the 
chamber  #,  just  described,  so  that  it  will  admit  but  spar- 
ingly the  blood  flowing  through  the  lungs  (A.)  The 
vessels  of  the  lungs  therefore,  being  unable  to  empty 
themselves,  congestion  is  the  result.  • 

These  valves  are  subject  to  various  other  difficulties 
besides  ossification,  alike  serious  in  their  results,  and  pro- 
ductive of  many  of  the  same  symptoms.  Thus,  the 
valves  may  be  prevented  closing,  from  warts  or  fleshy 
excrescences  growing  on  their  edges,  or  they  may  be  too 
small,  or  perhaps  holes  may  be  ulcerated  through  them. 

Similar  valves  or  doors  to  those  already  mentioned  are 
situated  aty  and  ?',  where  the  blood  passes  out  of  the  heart 
into  the  lungs  and  out  of  the  other  chamber  into  the 
great  aorta.  Supposing  the  valve  where  the  blood  flows 
out  of  the  chamber  d  into  the  great  artery  i  be  diseased 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  HEART.  201 

either  by  ossification  or  otherwise,  so  that  the  current  oi 
blood  out  of  the  heart  into  this  vessels  be  obstructed, 
the  chamber  d  of  course  becomes  gorged  and  distended 
with  blood,  the  heart  contracts  more  strongly,  and  from 
the  increased  muscular  exertion,  the  sides  become  harden- 
ed and  swollen ;  thus  constituting  hypertrophy  or  enlarge- 
ment of  the  heart.  Congestion  of  the  lungs  is  also 
the  almost  inevitable  result.  In  the  same  manner  by 
derangement  of  the  valve  f,  hypertrophy  of  the  chamber 
d  is  produced,  together  with  congestion  of  the  brain, 
liver,  &c. 

Surrounding  the  heart,  which  as  we  have  before  said, 
is  lined  both  inside  and  outside  by  a  smooth  polished 
membrane,  is  a  bag,  applied  loosely  and  allowing  the 
heart  to  dilate  and  contract  without  the  slightest  im- 
pediment. This  membrane  may  become  inflamed,  and 
in  this  state  become  firmly  glued  to  the  sides  of  the 
heart  The  free  movement  of  the  heart  is  thus  prevent- 
ed, its  action  is  hampered,  and  it  vainly  struggles,  and 
throbs  to  escape  its  imprisonment.  The  heart,  thus 
cramped  in  its  movements,  the  effect  on  the  circulation 
will  readily  be  perceived. 

TREATMENT. — See  symptomatic  indication. 

PALPITATION  OF  THE  HEABT.* 

Perhaps  this  is  as  proper  a  place  as  any  to  introduce 
this  unpleasant  and  very  common  variety  of  heart  diffi- 
culty. It  is  frequently,  as  we  have  seen,  a  symptom  of 
some  severe  form  of  heart-disease,  and  yet  it  is  not  un- 
commonly a  very  slight  trouble  easily  relieved.  The 
young,  during  the  growing  period,  are  often  troubled 
with  it,  and  the  old  from  ossification  of  the  valves. 

It  may  also  arise  from  derangement  of  the  nervous 

*  The  treatment  of  heart-disease  should  be  entrusted  to  the  physician ;  under 
the  above  head,  however,  I  have  indicated  some  of  the  prominent  remedies  of 
service  in  heat-affections. 

9* 


202  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

system,  produced  by  violent  mental  emotion,  the  abuse 
of  ardent  spirits,  coffee,  &c.  It  is  of  very  common  oc- 
currence in  persons  of  plethoric  habit;  during  pregnancy, 
also  by  overloading  the  stomach,  or  eating  at  improper 
times. 

TREATMENT. — If  occasioned  by  congestion  of  the  Hood, 
or  plethora:  Aeon.,  Bell.,  Coff..,  Op.,  Nux.-v.,  Lach., 
Phot. 

In  nervous  persons :  Asa.,  Cham.,  Coff.,  Nux-v.,  Puts. 

After  moral  emotions :  Cham.,  Coff.,  Ign.t  Op.,  Nux- 
vom. 

After  a  fright:  Op.,  or  Coff. 

From  disappointment:  Cham.  Ign.,  Huso-worn. 

from  joy :  Coff. 

Fear,  or  anguish:    Verat. 

After  loss  of  Hood:  Phos.-ac.,  Chin. 

After  the  suppression  of  an  eruption :  Ars.,  Caust., 
Lach.,  Sulph. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATION. — I  have  chosen,  for  the  sake 
of  easy  reference  by  the  patient,  to  note  under  the  above 
head  the  symptomatic  indication  of  some  of  the  different 
remedies  for  the  various  diseases  of  the  heart  which  I 
have  described,  both  acute  and  chronic. 

Spigelia. — An  all  important  remedy  in  most  forms  of 
heart  disease.  Inflammation  of  the  heart,  with  and 
without  articular  rheumatism.  Tumultuous  pulsation 
with  suffocative  sensation  and  spasms  in  the  chest,  par- 
ticularly when  lying  or  sitting,  aggravated  by  motion. 
Chronic  affection  of  the  heart,  after  inflammation,  or 
with  articular  arthritis.  Audible  palpitation,  increased  on 
sitting  down,  bending  the  chest  forward,  and  frequently 
accompanied  with  pain  and  oppression  of  the  chest.  Val- 
vular disease,  hypertrophy,  dilation  of  the  heart  with 
their  accompanying  symptoms.  Tremulous  motion  of 
the  heart. 

Aconite. — Palpitation  of  the  heart  with  great  anguish. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  HEART.,  203 

general  heat,  great  soreness  and  debility  of  the  limbs 
Palpitation  in  young  plethoric  persons.  Quick  and  rapid 
pulsations  of  the  heart)  notwithstanding  the  pulse  is 
slow  and  intermittent.  Oppressive  aching  in  the  region 
of  the  heart,  sometimes  as  if  a  heavy  load  were  pressing 
upon  it.  Difficult  respiration  in  the  erect  position  from 
shooting  pain.  Inflammation  and  chronic  affections  of 
the  heart  with  fullness  in  the  chest  and  sensation  of  con- 
gestion in  the  head. 

Aurum. — Violent  palpitation  of  the  heart,  coming  on 
in  paroxysms,  and  attended  with  oppression.  Shaking 
sensation  of  the  heart  on  motion.  Arthritic  metastasis 
and  organic  affections  of  the  heart. 

Arsenic. — Palpitation  of  the  heart,  irregular,  with  an- 
guish, excessively  violent,  particularly  at  night,  and 
when  lying  on  the  back.  Inflammation  and  organic  dis- 
ease. 

Belladonna. — Great  anguish  about  the  heart,  oppress- 
ed sensation,  tremor  with  anguish  and  pain  and  a  kind 
of  bubbling  sensation,  in  going  up-stairs.  Palpitation 
with  intermittent  pulse,  also  when  at  rest,  increased  by 
motion. 

Lachesis. — Palpitation  with  anxiety  or  weakness ;  felt 
in  the  back,  debilitating  with  nausea ;  chronic;  particu- 
larly in  girls,  also  accompanying  other  affections,  and 
frequently  followed  by  oppressive  pain  in  the  chest.  Ir- 
regularity of  the  pulsations,  Great  anguish  about  the 
heart  with  heaviness  in  the  chest  in  rheumatism ;  con- 
strictive  sensation. 

Arnica.— - Quivering  pulsations,  oppression  or  stitches 
in  the  heart  with  fainting  fit.  Pain  as  if  the  heart  were 
squeezed  together. 

Natrum-muT. — Pains  in  the  heart,  particularly  at 
night.  Palpitation  from  the  slightest  motion,  sometimes 
accompanied  with  anguish.  Fluttering  motions  in  the 
heart,  irregularity  or  intermittent  pulsations. 


204  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    WINDPIPE    AND    CHEST. 

Digitalis. — Intermittent  and  slow  pulse  with,  violent 
palpitation  and  shuddering. 

Phosphorus. — Coldness  of  the  extremities,  great  op- 
sion  about  the  chest  and  fluttering  of  the  heart. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  of  the 
selected  remedy,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful 
at  a  dose  ;  or  three  globules,  or  a  powder,  on  the  tongue. 
In  acute  cases,  a  dose  once  in  from  a  half  hour  to  three 
hours.  In  chronic  cases,  once  in  from  four  to  twelve 
hours. 

DIET. — Violent  mental  excitement  and  strong  physical 
exertion,  should  of  course  be  avoided.  The  nervous 
system  should  be  kept  as  quiet  as  possible,  and  all 
strongly  stimulating  articles  either  of  food  or  drink 
should  be  strictly  prohibited.  Pure  air  and  a  moderate 
amount  of  exercise  are  essential. 


INSANITY.  205 


CHAPTER    V. 
AFFECTIONS    OF  THE  MIND. 

INSANITY. 

Allowing  the  term  insanity  its  strict  signification,  we 
should  find  hundreds  with  whom  we  mingle  every  day, 
yea,  thousands  in  all  grades  of  society,  in  every  depart- 
ment of  life,  statesmen,  clergymen,  business-men,  labor- 
ing under  some  form  of  mental  derangement,  and  the 
world  itself  somewhat  of  a  crazy  world.  A  lunatic,  who 
had  been  for  some  time  confined  in  one  of  our  asylums, 
was  one  day  asked  by  a  visitor,  why  he  was  sent 
there.  He  very  shrewdly  replied,  it  was  all  owing  to  a 
difference  of  opinion.  The  world  insisted,  that  he  was 
crazy,  while  he  as  strenuously  maintained,  the  shoe  was 
on  the  other  foot,  and  the  world  was  crazy  ;  the  world 
being  in  the  majority  and  having  the  power  in  their 
own  hands,  carried  the  day  and  shut  him  up.  Perhaps 
both  were  partially  correct. 

We  can  hardly  believe,  that  a  perfectly  sane  man  will 
violate  with  impunity  every  law  of  nature,  that  he  will 
sacrifice  reputation,  the  esteem  of  the  good,  health,  an 
easy  conscience,  and  a  home  pervaded  with  an  atmos- 
phere of  love  for  the   gratification  of  selfish  or  sensual 
passions.   We  can  hardly  look  upon  either  the  spendthrift, 
foolishly  squandering  his  wealth,  or  the  miser,  hoarding 
up  his  gains  and  denying  himself  even  the  necessaries 
of  life,  as  perfectly  sane ;  and  we  certainly  must  look 
upon  the  mother,  who  trains  her  daughter  in  that  cold 
and  selfish  school,  where  the  warm  feelings  of  the  heart 
are  frozen,  and  nature  compelled  to  give  place  to  art, 
in  which,  alas,  too  many  of  our  daughters  are  educated, 
as  possessing,  to  say  the  least,  an  extremely  ill-balanced 
mind. 


206  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    MIND. 

But  our  object  here  is  to  look  upon  insanity  in  a  medi- 
cal light,  only  so  far  as  it  assumes  the  perceptible 
character  of  a  disease.  However  interesting  the  subject 
may  be,  we  shall  only  have  room  to  glance  at  it  here. 
We  may  look  at  it  under  three  divisions : 

1.  Moral  insanity,  consisting  in  a  morbid  perversion 
of  the  natural  feelings,  affections,  temper,  habits,  &c., 
but  without  any  maniacal  hallucination,  or  any  particular 
lesion  of  the  intellect  or  reasoning  faculties. 

2.  Intellectual  insanity,  attended  with  hallucination, 
when  the  patient  believes  in  some  unreal  event,  repugnant 
to  his  former  experience  and  common-sense,  and  acts 
under  the  influence  of  this  erroneous  conviction. 

3.  There  is  another  form,  which  might  with  propriety 
be  called  incoherent  madness,  in  which  the  ideas  follow 
each  other  with  astonishing  rapidity,  but  in  a  state  of  the 
most  complete  incoherence  and  confusion. 

1.  Moral  Insanity. — There  are  thousands  of  persons 
at  large  throughout  community,  who  are  affected  more 
or  less  with  this  modification  of  insanity.  They  are  gene- 
rally persons  of  singular,  wayward,  and  eccentric 
character.  On  inquiry  it  will  frequently  be  found,  that 
habit,  temper,  and  disposition  seem  gradually  to  have 
undergone  a  change.  This  may  first  be  noticed  after 
some  severe  shock,  or  a  violent  attack  of  sickness,  or  it 
may  have  been  coming  on  for  years,  and  is  merely  an 
increase  of  peculiarities  always  more  or  less  natural  or 
habitual.  Certain  forms  of  this  variety  of  insanity  are 
exceedingly  difficult  to  detect,  and  sometimes,  notwith- 
standing friends  might  be  perfectly  satisfied  themselves, 
that  the  patient  was  really  of  unsound  mind,  they  would 
still  find  it  almost  impossible  to  bring  forward  sufficient 
proof  to  satisfy  a  jury.  The  patient  might  be  capable  of 
reasoning  with  the  greatest  clearness  on  almost  any  topic, 
and  accounting  with  great  ingenuity  and  even  plausibility 
for  his  eccentricities  of  conduct.  He  often  thinks  and  acts 


INSANITY.  207 


under  the  influence  of  strongly-excited  feelings,  during 
which  time  we  may  obtain  a  clue  to  his  mental  derange- 
ment. 

I  well  recollect  a  case  which  occurred  during  my  child- 
hood in  my  native  town  and  created  considerable  excite- 
ment. A  Portuguese,  by  the  name  offialello.  murdered 
a  boy  about  ten  years  of  age,  the  son  of  his  employer,  in 
a  most  horrid  and  savage  manner.  With  an  axe  the 
head  was  severed  from  the  trunk,  the  chest  laid  open 
and  the  boy  literally  chopped  to  pieces.  Rabello  had 
been  looked  upon  as  possessed  of  a  morose  and  irritable 
disposition,  but  had  by  no  means  been  considered  insane. 
The  indignation  of  the  community  was  so  strongly 
excited  by  this  brutal  and  cold-blooded  murder,  that 
law-abiding  and  law-loving  as  they  were,  they  could 
hardly  be  prevented  from  hanging  the  victim  without 
judge  or  jury.  The  proof  of  the  murder  was  positive, 
and  there  seemed  to  be  not  the  slightest  chance  for  the 
prisoner  of  escape  from  the  gallows. 

Hon.  Truman  Smith,  since  a  member  of  the  U.  S. 
Senate,  from  Connecticut,  believing  the  man  deranged, 
undertook  his  defence,  and  on  the  trial  so  indefatigable 
was  he  in  his  exertions,  that  he  succeeded  in  obtaining 
a  verdict  of  insanity.  Perhaps  the  indignation  of  the 
community  was  now  about  equally  divided  between  Mr. 
Smith  and  the  prisoner;  both  were  denounced  in  the 
strongest  terms,  and  the  wise-acres  shook  their  heads, 
mourned  that  justice  had  departed  from  the  land,  and 
the  basest  crime  could  now  go  unpunished.  The  prisoner 
was  properly  confined,  and  scarcely  six  weeks  had  pass- 
sed  away,  before  he  might  have  been  seen  chained  to  his 
cell,  a  raving  madman.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  enlighten- 
ed efforts  of  his  council  on  his  trial,  notwithstanding  his 
insanity,  he  would  have  been  condemned  to  death. 

In  this  variety  of  insanity  there  are  often  violent  out- 
bursts of  passion  breaking  out  without  cause,  and  leading' 


208  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    MIND. 

oftentimes  to  the  commission  of  crime.  Cases  are  also 
exceedingly  frequent  where  persons  allow  their  feelings 
to  become  strongly  and  bitterly  excited  against  others 
without  proper  cause  or  provocation ;  constantly  brood-* 
ing  over  fancied  wrongs,  misconstruing  even  acts  of 
kindness,  looking  upon  those  who  are  really  friends,  as 
foes,  ever  finding  fault  with  others,  but  seeing  none  in 
themselves,  these  feelings  of  malevolence  and  hatred 
may  grow  deeper  and  stronger,  until  the  most  ridiculous 
and  absurd  ideas  obtain  full  possession  of  the  mind,  or 
perhaps  the  darker  thoughts  of  murder  creep  in,  at  first 
scarcely  whispered,  but  growing  stronger  and  stronger, 
ever  haunting  them,  and  hurrying  them  on  by  an  in- 
visible force  until  the  bloody  deed  is  consummated.  This 
is  one  form  of  moral  insanity. 

There  is  another  class  of  cases  in  which  there  is  a 
disposition  to  melancholy  and  dejection  of  the  mind 
without  any  illusion  of  the  understanding  connected 
with  it  Surrounded  by  every  comfort,  a  feeling  of 
gloom  and  sadness  shrouds  all  their  prospects.  Their 
darkened  sky  is  illumined  by  no  golden  ray  of  hope, 
nature  has  no  cheering  word  for  them,  but  crushing, 
dark  despair  and  melancholy  weighs  them  down. 

Sometimes  the  chilling  thought  of  suicide,  steals  in 
upon  them,  or  there  arises  in  their  mind  a  fear  that  they 
shall  be  led  to  the  commission  of  some  great  crime.  This 
thought  continually  gains  strength,  haunting  them  when- 
ever alone,  hurrying  them  on  with  an  almost  irresistible 
power,  until  at  length,  too  often,  alas,  the  fearful  deed 
is  consummated. 

A  propensity  to  theft  is  often  a  distinctive  feature  of 
moral  insanity,  and  not  unfrequently  the  sole  characte- 
ristic of  the  disease.  Cases  are  on  record  where  persons 
possessed  of  wealth,  surrounded  by  every  comfort,  would 
steal  every  thing  they  could  lay  their  hands  on,  even 
articles  they  could  never  use,  and  the  use  of  which  they 


INSANITY.  209 


were  entirely  ignorant.  A  case  is  on  record  where  a 
lady,  beautiful,  amiable,  highly  educated  and  accomplish- 
ed, surrounded  by  every  luxury,  wealth  and  taste  could 
furnish,  the  mother  of  two  beautiful  children,  a  devoted 
husband  ready  to  supply  every  want,  yet  would  pilfer 
whenever  she  had  an  opportunity,  articles  too,  she  could 
never  put  to  any  use.  Her  husband,  devotedly  attached 
to  her,  reasoned  with  her  upon  the  guilt  of  her  conduct. 
With  bitter  tears  she  would  confess  the  fault  and  solemnly 
promise  never  to  be  guilty  of  the  like  offence  again,  and 
yet  the  very  next  hour,  if  opportunity  offered,  commit 
the  same  offence.  She  became  known  throughout  the 
community,  and  in  the  stores  she  was  watched  on  making 
her  appearance,  and  if  after  leaving,  any  little  article  was 
missed,  a  bill  was  made  out,  sent  to  her  husband,  and 
immediately  paid. 

Another  form  of  moral  insanity  displays  itself  in  an 
entire  want  of  self-government,  in  constant  excitement, 
and  thoughtless  and  extravagant  conduct.  These  persons 
frequently  become  drunkards,  their  drunken  attacks 
being  followed  by  periods  of  raving  madness.  After  the 
attack  has  passed  off,  they  will  again  in  a  short  time 
indulge  in  intoxicating  drinks,  notwithstanding  they 
know  the  inevitable  consequence. 

2.  Intellectual  insanity,  or  madness  attended  with  hal- 
lucinations. When  a  morbid  delusion  is  impressed  on 
the  mind,  but  little  doubt  can  be  entertained  of  the 
existence  of'insanity.  There  are  two  entirely  different 
states  of  disease  attended  with  this  symptom.  In  the 
one  case  the  understanding,  when  exercised  on  most 
subjects,  is  comparatively  clear,  and  the  morbid  impres- 
sions only  partial;  in  the  other,  the  disturbance  of  the 
intellectual  faculties  involves  all  the  other  operations 
of  the  mind.  The  former  is  called  monomania,  the  latter, 
mania. 

Monomania. — It  is  very  common  to  see  persons  per- 


210  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND. 


fectly  sane  on  every  subject  but  one,  but  touch  that  and 
you  open  wide  the  floodgates  of  insanity.  Some  persons 
are  deranged  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  display  the 
utmost  bitterness,  and  indulge  in  the  harshest  invective 
against  all  who  dare  to  differ  from  them.  Others  are 
deranged  on  some  particular  science,  or  upon  some  of 
the  great  moral  and  philanthropic  questions  of  the  day. 
It  is  denounced  by  some  as  wild  fanaticism,  and  is  in 
reality  a  species  of  insanity,  properly  classed  under  the 
head  of  monomania. 

The  patient  laboring  under  this  affection,  is  often 
gloomy,  morose,  and  excessively  melancholy. 

Mania. — The  characteristics  of  this  variety  of  insanity 
are  too  well  known  to  require  much  description.  They 
may  either  be  highly  excitable,  raving  in  violent  deli- 
rium, or  perhaps  the  insanity  may  be  of  a  milder  kind  ; 
they  are  generally  firmly  convinced  that  they  have  either 
performed  some  mighty  deeds,  that  they  are  some  il- 
lustrious characters,  or  troubled  with  other  illusions 
equally  devoid  of  truth.  Thus,  one  believes  he  is  Jesus 
Christ,  another  that  he  is  Jehovah,  and  another  perhaps, 
that  he  is  Mahomet,  or  a  king. 

3.  Incoherent  madnesx. — In  this  form  of  madness  the 
disease  commences  with  great  excitement ;  the  patient 
is  restless,  active,  and  generally  sleeps  but  little.  Ideas 
follow  each  other  in  the  most  astonishing  rapidity,  but 
without  the  slightest  connection.  Words  and  sentences 
are  half  uttered,  and  this  unmeaning  jargon  is  kept  up 
almost  constantly,  the  patient  scarcely  allowing  himself 
to  eat  or  sleep.  This  state  of  excitement,  after  having 
continued  for  some  time,  frequently  gradually  decreases  ; 
the  patient  .becomes  more  quiet,  obtains  sleep,  and  may 
in  time  become  perfectly  rational. 

CAUSES  — The  causes  of  the  various  forms  of  insanity 
are  exceedingly  numerous.  One  fruitful  cause  is  an  er- 
roneous and  unsuitable  method  of  education.  The  bad 


INSANITY.  211 


qualities  are  nurtured  and  allowed  to  grow  without  re- 
straint, until  they  choke  the  good,  or  the  good  feelings  of 
the  heart  are  warped  and  tittered,  by  an  iron  will  and 
the  cold  harsh  control  of  narrow  and  prejudiced  minds. 
But  I  have  already  referred  to  this  matter  in  the  chap- 
ter on  the  "Causes  of  Disease." 

Among  the  other  causes  of  insanity  we  may  enume- 
rate abuse  of  ardent  spirits,  blows  on  the  head,  and  ex- 
posure to  the  heat  of  the  sun ;  intestinal  irritation ;  ir- 
regularity of  the  uterine  functions,  not  unirequently 
produces  temporary  derangement,  especially  where  the 
catamenia  are  suppressed,  irregular,  or  attended  with 
agonizing  pain.  Insanity  of  a  violent  form  is  sometimes 
developed  in  connection  with  child-bearing. 

Of  the  moral  causes  of  insanity  it  will  be  unnecessary 
for  me  to  speak  here.  Cases  are  familiar  to  all,  where 
disappointments  in  business,  or  love,  the  workings  of  a 
troubled  conscience,  ill-judged  religious  advice,  tending 
alone  to  excite  fear,  have  sent  the  poor  victim  to  the 
madhouse  for  life. 

All  experience  shows  that  civilized  man  is  far  more 
subject  to  insanity  than  the  savage,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  large  cities,  as  a  general  thing,  than  those  of  the 
country. 

TREATMENT. — The  condition  of  the  violently  insane 
now,  and  half  a  century  ago,  is  entirely  different,  then 
they  were  treated  more  like  brutes,  loaded  with  chains, 
scourged,  abused  in  every  way,  and  seldom  met  with 
kindness.  Now  they  are  treated  like  human  beings, 
unfortunate  it  is  true,  but  yet  deserving  care  and  kind- 
ness. 

It  will  be  impossible  to  detail  fully  in  a  work  like 
this,  the  treatment  required  in  the  various  forms  of 
insanity,  and  indeed,  it  would  not  be  necessary  as  this 
disease  is  one  that  requires  the  skill  of  the  physician,  of 


212  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND. 

one  too  who  is  versed  in  human  nature,  and  knows  how 
to  administer  to  a  mind  diseased. 

The  patient  should  he  surrounded  hy  a  proper  moral 
influence,  blending  firmness  with  the  utmost  kindness, 
and  watching  the  leading  traits  of  character  developed, 
acting  accordingly.  Mental  alienation  occasioned  hy 
oppressing  emotions,  such  as  anger,  fear,  mortification, 
or  vexation,  usually  requires :  Bell.,  Hyos.,  Ign.,  Phos.- 
ac.,  Nux-v.,  Plat. 

When  the  result  of  excessive  study :  Lack.,  Plat., 
Stram.,  or  Nux-v.,  Op.,  Sulph.,  Bell.,  Hyos. 

From  religious  notions  attended  with  melancholy; 
Lack.,  Sulph.,  Verat.,  Ars.,  Aur.,  Bell. 

For  the  delirium  of  drunkards  :  Nux-vom.,  or  Op,,  or 
Hell.,  IIi/os.,  Stram.,  and  Puts.  (See  also  Delirium  Tre- 
mens). 

In  Females,  from  a  derangement  of  the  sexual  func- 
tions: Aeon.,  B'lL,  Plat.,  Pals.,  Stram.  and  Verat.,  or 
C"/>.,  Sec.  (See  also  Diseases  of  Females.) 

Melancholy,  of  an  excessively  gloomy  character,  may 
require  :  A/-S.,  Aur.,  Loch.,  or  Nux.-v. 

Melancholy,  of  a  more  gentle  and  placid  character, 
may  require:  Cocc.,  Bell.,  Ign.,  Hell.,  Con.,  Phos..ac., 
Puls.,  Sil. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATIONS. — Belladonna. — Great  distress 
with  agitation  and  inquietude.  Frightful  visions,  fear 
of  death,  repugnance  to  conversation  and  society ;  hag- 
gard eyes,  fixed  and  furious  look,  burning  thirst,  trem- 
bling of  the  limbs,  sleeplessness  with  agitation ;  or 
gloomy,  tearful  humor,  with  apathy  and  indifference. 

//yo*tfwzrawv.— Paroxysms  of  violent  delirium,  alter- 
nating with  epileptic  fits ;  sleeplessness  with  constant 
talking,  great  anguish  and  fear,  visions  of  the  dead; 
jealousy;  fury  with  impulse  to  kill. 

I.'i'-heai*. — Talkative  delirium  with  rapid  change  of 
ideas;  suspicion,  jealousy  or  pride,  and  fear  of  death; 


INSANITY.  213 


or  despondency  and  great   disposition  to  give  way  to 
grief. 

RTux-vom. — Anguish  and  inquietude,  with  disposition 
to  wander  abroad ;  congestion,  bewilderment  and  heavi- 
ness of  the  head ;  pressure  or  fullness  in  the  abdomen 
and  stomach  ;  constipation  or  watery  diarrhoea ;  sleepless- 
ness with  starts. 

6>/;>mm.— Great  drowsiness ;  visions  of  mice  and  scor- 
pions, convulsive  movements ;  inability  to  sleep,  notwith- 
standing there  is  sleepiness,  constipation,  congestion  of 
the  head,  epileptic  fits. 

Platina. — Ravings  of  past  events,  with  singing,  dan- 
cing, or  weeping  ;  quarrelsomeness ;  contempt  for  others, 
with  great  self-esteem ;  increased  sexual  desire ;  dread  of 
death  and  frightful  visions. 

Stramonium. — Dizziness  or  loss  of  consciousness,  be- 
lief that  the  body  is  divided  into  two  parts ;  delirium 
with  frightful  visions  ;  religious  movements  ;  lascivious 
ideas,  or  affected  manners  ;  conversation  with  spirits,  ri- 
diculous antics,  or  wild  and  ungovernable  fury;  bloated- 
ness  of  the  face,  with  silly  expression. 

Veratrum. — Great  anguish  and  despondency ;  taciturn 
with  violent  oaths  on  the  slightest  provocation  ;  loss  of 
consciousness  with  singing,  whistling,  and  religious 
mania,  lascivious  ideas,  proud  and  haughty. 

Arsenic. — Great  anguish;  fear  of  spectres,  robbers, 
solitude,  &c.  Aversion  to  conversation ;  inclination  to 
commit  suicide,  or  dread  of  death,  tearfulness  and  fear 
offending. 

Cantharis. — Violent  rage ;  renewal  of  paroxysms  at 
the  sight  of  water  :  excitement  of  the  sexual  organs. 

PulsaliUa. — Stupor,  nocturnal  delirium,  sleeplessness 
with  anguish,  or  agitated  sleep  with  anxious  dreams ; 
great  melancholy  with  weeping ;  despair  of  eternal  hap- 
piness, with  constant  prayers.  Tendency  to  fear  and  dis- 
position to  hide. 


214  AFFECTIONS    OF    TIIK    MINI). 

Sulphur. — Confusion  of  the  intellect,  indifi'erence, 
apathy,  or  uneasy  about  domestic  or  religious  affairs. 

Cuprum. — Want  of  moral  energy  ;  imaginary  occupa- 
tions ;  wildness  and  redness  of  the  eyes,  during  the 
paroxysm,  tears,  anxiety  and  disposition  to  hide. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  pow- 
der, or  three  globules  on  the  tongue.  In  violent  cases 
give  once  in  from  one  to  three  hours.  In  cases  less  vio- 
lent, or  where  the  symptoms  are  comparatively  mild,  or 
the  affection  only  partial  every  twelve  or  twenty-four 
hours. 

VARIOUS  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MIND. 

Consequences  of  fright  and  fear :  Op.,  Bell.)  Ign- 
Pula.,  may  be  consulted. 

Excessive  joy:  Coff.,  Op.t  Pulsatilla. 

Griff:  Ign. 

Home  sickness :  Phos-acn  Staphysagria. 

Jealousy :  Hyos.,  JVux-v. 

Violent  anger :  Nuxv.,  Chamomilla. 

Chagrin :  Cham.,  Nux.v.,  Ign.,  Platina. 

Insult  and  mortification :  Bell.,  Ign.,  Plat.,  Pulsa- 
tilla. 

Unhappy  love :  Phos-ac.,  Ignatia. 

For  symptomatic  indications  and  administration,  con- 
sult Insanity. 

HYSTERIA. 

Hypoch  ondria. 

The  two  names  above,  indicate  the  same  disease,  the 
former  being  applied  to  the  affection  when  found  in  the 
female,  the  latter  in  the  male. 

////*/.•  rfa  lias  characters  peculiar  to  itself,  but  is  also 
apt  to  assume  the  form  and  mimic  the  symptoms  of  dis- 
eases of  a  much  graver  nature. 


HYSTERIA.  215 

The  hysterical  paroxysm  resembles  somewhat  an  epi- 
lectic  fit,  yet  is  very  easily  distinguished  from  it.  There 
are  strong  convulsive  movements  of  the  limbs  and  trunk ; 
the  head  thrown  backward,  the  face  flushed,  the  eyelids 
closed  and  tremulous,  and  the  jaws  firmly  shut.  If  the 
hands  are  left  at  liberty,  she  will  often  strike  her  breasts, 
tear  her  hair,  and  rend  her  clothes.  After  a  short  time 
a  calm  may  take  place,  which,  however,  is  generally 
followed  by  another  spasm,  and  the  whole  attack  not 
unfrequently  terminates  in  an  explosion  of  tears,  sobs, 
and  convulsive  laughter. 

Another  variety  of  this  form  of  paroxysm,  is  when 
the  patient  suddenly  sinks  insensible,  and  without  con- 
vulsions; there  is  a  slow,  interrupted  breathing  and 
flushed  cheeks;  she  recovers,  fatigued  and  in  tears. 

In  another  form  of  hysteria,  there  is  a  sensation  of  a 
ball  rolling  about  the  abdomen  and  stomach,  and  some- 
times ascending  the  throat,  so  as  to  impede  deglutition. 

The  hysterical  seizures  are  confined  almost  entirely  to 
women,  generally  between  the  ages  of  fifteen  and  forty, 
and  are  as  a  general  thing,  connected  with  some  derange- 
ment of  the  sexual  functions. 

The  variety  of  serious  diseases  which  may  be  so  ac- 
curately mimicked  by  hysteria  as  to  defy  detection,  ex- 
cept by  the  practiced  eye  of  the  physician,  is  truly  as- 
tonishing. Among  the  rest  we  find  palsy — perfect  hemi- 
plegia  or  pariplegia — entire  loss  of  voice,  laryngitis, 
and  pain  in  the  breasts,  resembling  that  of  cancer.  We 
also  find  a  peculiar  kind  of  cough,  loud,  harsh  and  dry, 
resembling  croup,  hiccough,  violent  vomiting,  sometimes 
of  blood.  Hysterical  affections  of  the  bones,  joints,  and 
back,  are  exceedingly  common,  in  which  the  pain  is  ex- 
tremely severe,  and  the  symptom  such  as  to  lead  friends 
and  sometimes  physicians  to  believe  that  a  serious  diffi- 
culty is  present.  The  limbs  are  often  drawn  up  and  im- 
moveable,  and  the  system  so  filled  with  pain  on  the 


216  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND. 


slightest  movement,  as  to  lead  the  patient  to  suppose 
that  death  would  be  the  result  of  any  attempt  to  walk, 
and  yet,  let  the  house  take  fire,  or  some  violent  shock 
take  place,  they  would  run  for  their  life  and  be  surpris- 
ed to  find  themselves  when  the  excitement  wore  off,  per- 
fectly recovered.  I  was  once  called  to  see  a  patient  who 
had  never  moved  from  her  bed  for  nine  months.  She 
ate  well  most  of  the  time,  yet  insisted  every  morning 
she  should  not  live  till  night,  and  every  night  persisted 
in  taking  a  weeping  farewell  of  her  friends.  I  ordered 
a  small  pistol  to  be  placed  at  night  at  the  foot  of  the 
bed,  so  arranged  that  it  could  be  discharged  from  another 
room  by  a  slow  match,  and  when  discharged  would  set 
on  fire  a  quantity  of  cotton,  upon  which  had  been  poured 
some  turpentine.  When  all  was  quiet,  the  pistol  was 
discharged,  the  cotton  blazed  up,  and  the  poor  girl, 
screaming  with  terror,  jumped  from  her  bed  and  rushed 
from  her  room.  I  need  not  say,  the  next  day  on  calling 
I  found  my  patient  entirely  well.  She  has  since  married, 
and  is  the  mother  of  two  children,  but  ascertaining  by 
some  means  or  other  the  hand  I  had  in  the  trick,  she 
has  never  forgiven  me. 

TREATMENT. — The  application  of  cold  water  in  the 
form  of  a  shower-bath,  or  during  the  paroxysm,  cold 
water  dashed  into  the  face  or  poured  on  to  the  head 
from  a  pitcher,  will  be  found  serviceable.  The  patient 
also  may  be  allowed  to  smell  from  time  to  time  of 
Camphor. 

Cocculus  or  Cuprum,  when  there  is  clenching  of  the 
jaws  and  foaming  at  the  mouth.  If  relief  be  not  ob- 
tained after  three  or  four  doses  give  Veratrum. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  a  powder,  or  six  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  a  teaspoonful  every  ten  -minutes  during  the  spasm,  when  the 
spasm  has  subsided,  give  every  two  or  three  hours  until  entirely  re- 
lieved. 

lynatia. — Where  there  is  intolerance  of  light  and  noise; 
shrieking  for  help ;  suffocative  constriction  of  the  throat 


HYSTERIA.  217 

and  difficulty  of  swallowing.    Also  where  the  hysteria 
is  attended  with  nausea  and  fainting. 
DOSE. — Same  as  Cocculus. 

PulsatUla. — Especially  where  there  is  a  suppression 
of  the  menstrual  flow,  also  where  there  is  chilliness,  or  in- 
clination to  tears,  or  tears  and  laughter :  silent  melan- 
choly ;  sensitive  with  nervous  paroxysms. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  every  half  hour  until  there  is  an  improvement  and  then 
every  four  hours. 

Aurum. — Alternate  tears  and  laughter;  morbid  sensibi- 
lity; religious  melancholy,  despair,  oppression  at  the  chest. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Belladonna. — If  during  the  fit  the  face  is  red  and 
swollen,  and  there  are  evidences  of  a  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Veratrum. — Spasms  from  fear,  rage,  or  fright ;  clench- 
ing of  the  jaws ;  coldness  of  the  extremities  and  cold 
perspiration  on  the  forehead;  convulsive  jerking  with 
numbness ;  fainting  from  the  least  movement. 

DOSE  — Same  as  Cocculus. 

See  also  Chlorosis,  Amenorrhea,  Menorrhagia  and 
Insanity. 

If  there  is  violent  hiccough,  give  JVux,  Cqffea  or  Bel- 
ladonna every  ten  minutes. 

Nux-vom. — Aversion  to  life,  ill-humor,  aching  and  dull- 
ness in  the  head,  exhaustion  from  walking,  unrefreshing 
sleep,  pain  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  constipation  and 
piles. 

Sulphur. — Great  bodily  and  mental  indolence,  depres- 
sion of  spirits,  constipation  and  restlessness. 

Nat.-muT. — Depression  of  spirits,  weeping  and  dis- 
position to  be  alone ;  ill-humor,  aversion  to  life,  head- 
ache with  want  of  appetite. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  or  three  drops  should  be  placed  in  a  glass 
half  full  of  water,  and  if  the  symptoms   are  violent,  a  teaspoonful 
given  every  half  hour.     If  the  symptoms  are  not  violent,  a  dose  two 
or  three  times  a  day  will  be  sufficient. 
10 


218  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  HEAD. 

HEADACHE. 

Cephalgia. 

The  head  sympathises  with  the  derangements  of  nearly 
all  the  other  parts  of  the  system.  The  causes  of  head- 
ache are  exceedingly  varied,  rendering  it  necessary,  to 
ensure  success  in  its  treatment,  that  the  symptoms  shall 
be  carefully  noted,  and  the  cause  of  the  difficulty  as- 
certained as  nearly  as  possible.  With  a  little  care  in 
selecting  the  appropriate  remedy,  persons  can  frequently 
relieve  themselves  of  this  troublesome  affection,  so  com- 
mon to  all,  without  the  aid  of  a  physician.  We  shall 
speak  of  some  of  the  prominent  causes,  and  mention 
the  appropriate  treatment  under  their  several  hands. 

1.  Headache  from  congestion  to  the  head. 

2.  From,  catarrh  or  cold  in  the  head. 

3.  From  constipation  and  gastric  derangement. 

4.  From  rheumatism. 

5.  From  external  causes. 

6.  Sick  headache. 

1.  Nervous  headache. 

1.  Headache  from  congestion  to  the  head. 

Some  of  the  prominent  symptoms  are,  violent  throb- 
bing of  the  arteries  of  the  head ;  fullness  and  heaviness 
of  the  head,  accompanied  by  giddiness,  particularly  on 
stooping  or  walking  in  the  sun ;  also  fullness  and  pain 
above  the  eyes,  increased  by  stooping ;  heat  about  the 
head. 

TREATMENT. — Abstain  from  highly  stimulating  food 
and  drinks,  such  as  ardent  spirits,  tea,  coffee,  &c.  Bathe 
the  head  freely  in  cold  water,  placing  if  necessary,  a  cloth 
wet  with  cold  water  on  the  temples. 


HEADACHE.  219 


Congestion  caused  by  chagrin  requires:  Chamomilla. 

By  suppressed  'grief  or  mortified  feelings :  Ignatia. 

By  anger :  JYux-v.,  Chamomilla,  or  Bryonia. 

~Bj  fright ;  Opium. 

By  constipation :  Aloes,  JVux-v,,  Opium. 

From  gastric  derangements:  Sepia,  J^ux-v.,  Ipecac., 
Bryonia,  Sulphur. 

From  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  :  Nux-v.,  Opium. 

From  a  blow  :  Arnica. 

From  joy :  Coff. 

From  a  cold :  (See  Influenza?) 

From  suppressed  menstruation:  Bell.,  Puls.,  Aeon., 
Verat.,  Bry.,  Sepia. 

From  sedentary  habits :  Aloes,  Nusc-v.,  /Sulphur. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATION. — Nux-vom.,  is  an  invaluable 
remedy,  when  the  difficulty  is  'caused  by  abuse  of 
ardent  spirits,  sedentary  mode  of  life,  and  severe  mental 
labor,  also  when  the  following  symptoms  are  present. 
Heat  and  redness  of  the  face,  throbbing  of  the  arteries 
of  the  head,  paroxysms  of  vertigo,  violent  headache, 
particularly  in  the  forehead  over  the  eyes,  increased  by 
stooping  or  coughing. 

Heartburn ;  insipid  taste  ;  nausea  and  vomiting. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful,  every  two  hours,  or  if  the  trouble  is  chronic  give 
morning  and  night. 

Belladonna. — In  the  more  severe  forms,  when  the 
veins  about  the  head  are  distended,  accompanied  with 
paroxysms  of  stitching  pain  on  one  side,  aggravated  by 
motion,  noise  or  light;  not  unfrequently  scintillations 
before  the  eyes,  and  obscuration  of  sight;  buzzing  in 
the  ears,  and  stupor.  Violent  aching  pain,  bloodshot 
eyes,  delirium,  worse  on  moving  the  eyes  and  head,  and 
great  sensitiveness  to  light  or  noise.  The  symptoms  are 
generally  developed  by  disturbance  or  derangement  of 
some  other  organ,  as  during  dentition,  from  cold  or 
derangement  of  the  menses. 


220  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  . 

Aconite. — When  the  symptoms  are  violent,  accompani- 
ed by  heat  and  considerable  pain,  violent  throbbing, 
heaviness  and  fullness  in  the  head,  delirium,  sensitiveness 
to  light  or  noise,  and  aggravated  by  motion. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  six  globules  dry  on  the  tongue,  Give 
once  in  two  or  three  hours,  or  every  hour  if  the  pain  is  violent. 

Alternate  with  Bdladonna.  These  remedies,  if  the 
symptoms  commence  with  considerable  violence,  should 
be  given  at  the  beginning  of  the  attack. 

Bryonia. — Compressive  pains  in  the  head,  or  sensitive 
on  stooping,  as  if  every  thing  would  protrude  through 
the  forehead.  Bleeding  at  the  nose,  burning  and  watery 
eyes,  constipation.  Chilliness;  thirst  day  and  night. 
Especially  indicated  in  warm  and  damp  weather. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite.     Give  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Rhus. — Burning  jralsative  pains,  with  fullness  in  the 
head,  fluctuation  of  the  brain  as  from  a  fluid  rolling  in- 
side, weight  in  the  back  part  of  the  head;  particularly 
if  pains  occur  after  a  meal.  Nervous  headache.  Fre- 
quently in  alternation  with  Belladonna,  or  Bryonia. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Opium. — Severe  tearing  pains,  heaviness  and  beating 
in  the  head.  Muddy  sensation  of  the  brain,  with  stupor. 
Wandering  look,  constipation. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite      Give  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Pulsatilla. — Pressive  and  distressing  pain  in  the  side 
of  the  head,  commencing  in  the  back  of  the  head  and 
extending  into  the  root  of  the  nose,  or  vice-versa.  Re- 
lieved by  binding  something  tight  around  the  head,  or 
walking,  and  aggravated  by  sitting  or  looking  upward  ; 
heaviness  of  the  head;  paleness  of  the  face  vertigo; 
tearful  humor,  particularly  in  females,  shivering  anxiety. 
Derangement  of  the  stomach  from  fat  food,  flatulency; 
acidity  of  the  stomach.  It  suits  those  of  a  cold  or  lym- 
phatic temperament. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 


HEADACHE.  221 

Glocnine  has  been  found  highly  beneficial  when  there 
is  fullness  and  severe  pain,  almost  causing  delirium. 
Three  globules  may  be  given  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Mercury. — Fullness  in  the  head  as  if  it  would  split, 
or  as  if  it  were  compressed  with  a  band.  Worse  at  night, 
with  burning,  tearing,  boring  pains,  easy  and  profuse 
perspiration. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 
Veratrum. — Pressive  throbbing  pain ;  sensation  as  if 
the  brain  were  bruised ;  or  constrictive  pain,  rigidity  of 
the  nape  of  the  neck,  nausea  and  vomiting;  neuralgic 
pain  almost  insupportable. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

2.    HEADACHE    FROM    CATARRH,    OR    COLD    IN    THE    HEAD. 

Aconite. — Where  the  fever  is  intermixed  with  chills, 
running  at  the  nose  and  eyes,  and  pressing,  dull  feeling 
over  the  eyes.  Frequently  followed  by  Stibium,. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  three  hours. 

Nux-wom. — Constipation  with  chilliness,  or  feverish 
heat  in  the  head,  heaviness  in  the  forehead. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Mercury. — Pressing  pain  over  the  root  of  the  nose ; 
frequent  sneezing  and  running  at  the  nose,  chilliness 
and  pains  in  the  limbs.  (See  also  Coryza,  or  cold  in  the 
head.) 

DOSE. — Same  as  Nux-v. 

3.     HEADACHE   FROM   CONSTIPATION   AND    GASTRIC    DERANGEMENT. 

Headache  occasioned  by  constipation  will  generally  be 
relieved  by  Nux-w.,  Bry.,  Op.,  Sulph.,  or  Aloes,  (see 
Nux-v.,  JBry.,  and  Opium,  under  headache  from  con- 
gestion to  the  head.) 

Besides  these  I  have  found  great  benefit  from  Sepia, 
where  there  is  constipation  occasioned  by  derangement 
of  the  liver,  and  where  there  are  shooting  and  boring 


222  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    HEAD. 

pains  in  the  head,  with  nausea  and  vomiting ;  headache, 
worse  in  the  morning  ;  intolerance  of  light,  with  inability 
to  open  the  eyes ;  congestion  of  blood,  with  heaviness 
and  confusion  of  the  head.  Particularly  in  females  and 
where  there  is  a  derangement  of  the  menstrual  functions. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  six  hours. 

Silicea. — Throbbing  pain,  with  heat  and  congestion  in 
the  head,  worse  in  the  morning  or  afternoon,  aggravated 
by  intellectual  labor,  speaking  or  stooping ;  sensation  as 
if  the  head  would  split ;  pain  on  one  side,  shooting,  tear- 
ing, and  extending  over  the  face ;  tubercles  on  the  head, 
tenderness  of  the  scalp,  and  falling  off  of  the  hair. 

DOSE — Same  as  Sepia. 

Sulphur. — Pressure  and  heaviness  in  the  head,  shooting 
pains,  particularly  in  one  side ;  severe  pain  over  the  eyes ; 
throbbing,  bubbling  pain  with  heat  in  the  head,  worse 
in  the  morning,  at  night,  or  in  bed,  also  increased  by 
thinking  or  in  the  open  air. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sepia. 

Where  occasioned  by  gastric  derangement,  Bry.,  Puls^ 
Nux-v.,  and  Ipecac,  are  the  prominent  remedies.  Pulsa- 
tUla  will  be  found  beneficial  where  the  headache  has 
been  occasioned  by  eating  too  freely,  particularly  of 
greasy  food,  and  where  there  is  considerable  nausea. 
Ipecic.  is  also  frequently  beneficial  where  there  is  con- 
siderable nausea,  and  violent  headache.  (See  gastric 
derangement.) 

HEADACHE    FROM    RHEUMATISM. 

The  prominent  remedies  in  this  variety  of  headache 
are  Bell^  Puls^  Bry.,  Rhu*,  Nit.-ac.^  Spig.^  Nux-v. 

For  the  symptomatic  indications  of  Bcll^  PuU.,  Bi^y., 
fihus,  and  Nux-w.  (See  Headache  from  congestion.) 

HFUrOe.  is  indicated  where  there  is  sharp  shooting,  or 
sore  and  aching  pain  about  the  head,  particularly  where 
it  occurs  after,  or  in  connection  with,  a  rheumatic  attack 
in  some  other  part  of  the  body.  (See  Rheumatism.) 


HEADACHE.  223 


5.      HEADACHE    FROM    EXTERNAL    CAUSES. 

The  external  causes,  which  may  produce  headache,  are 
exceedingly  numerous.  It  will  only  be  necessary  to 
enumerate  a  few,  with  the  prominent  remedies,  under 
their  respective  heads. 

When  produced  by  a, fall,  or  How:  Arnica. 

From  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors:  Carb.-v.,  Jffux-v., 
Cof\,  Pulsatilla. 

From  a  chill :  Bell.,  Bry.,  Dulc.,  N^ux-vom. 

When  produced  by  lathing :  Ant.,  or  Pulsatilla. 

From  cold  drinks :  Bell.,  Ars.,  or  Pulsatilla. 

From  changeable  weather  :  Bry.,  12/ius,  Carb.-v.,  Nux- 
v.,  Rhododendron. 

From  Tobacco :  Ant.,  Tgn.,  Aconite. 

From  prolonged  watching :  Cocc.,  Nux-v.*  Pulsatilla. 

From  heat :  Aeon.,  Bell.,  Bry.,  Carb.-v. 

DOSE. — In  sudden  and  violent  attacks  of  headache  it  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  give  the  remedy  once  in  from  half  an  hour  to  two  hours. 
Where  it  is  long-continued  or  habitual,  a  dose  may  be  given  every 
night,  changing  the  remedy,  if  after  five  cr  six  doses  but  little  benefit 
has  been  derived. 

6.    NERVOUS    HEADACHE. 

This  variety  of  headache  is  generally  confined  to  one 
side  of  the  head,  or  the  pain  is  developed  above  the  root 
of  the  nose.  The  pains  are  of  a  neuralgic  character,  vio- 
lent, throbbing,  darting  and  stinging,  worse  at  night,  and 
attended  with  thirst,  flushed  cheeks,  and  great  sensitive- 
ness to  light,  noise,  or  touch. 

Belladonna  is  a  prominent  remedy,  where  the  pains 
are  of  a  violent  burning,  shooting,  or  rending  character, 
commencing  sometimes  gently,  but  increasing  to  a  fear- 
ful intensity.  There  is  often  a  roaring  and  buzzing  in 
the  ear,  and  sensation  as  if  water  were  fluctuating  in  the 
head. 

Ith'ts,  Bryonia,  Ign.,  JWux-v.,  Puls.,  Cqff.,  Cham,  are 
also  prominent  remedies  in  this  affection.  (See  Head- 
ache from  congestion.) 


224  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.. 

7.    SICK    HEADACHE. 

This  troublesome  difficulty  is  generally  dependent  on 
gastric  derangement,  and  in  some  persons  it  seems  to  be 
periodical,  returning  at  stated  times,  at  intervals  either 
more  or  less  frequent. 

There  is  generally  sickness  at  the  stomach,  swimming 
in  the  head,  or  violent  aching  pain,  not  unfrequently 
coming  on  in  the  morning,  and  continuing  until  relieved 
at  night  by  sleep. 

The  prominent  remedies  are,  Ipecac.^  Bell.,  Bry., 
Nux-w.,  Spig-i  Aeon.,  Sep. 

Where  the  symptoms  commence  with  nausea  and  vo- 
miting and  are  accompanied  with  bruised  sensation  about 
the  head,  Ipecac,  is  the  appropriate  remedy  and  should 
be  given  immediately  at  intervals  of  half  an  hour. 

Nux-v.  is  also  a  prominent  remedy  for  the  indications 
of  which  as  well  as  the  other  remedies.  (See  Headache 
from  Congestion.  Also  Sea  Sickness.) 

The  tendency  to  sick  headache  is  often  removed  by 
taking  a  dose  of  Nux,  when  the  first  symptoms  are  no- 
ticed. A  dose  of  Nux,  /Sepia,  or  Silicea  taken  every  other 
night  for  a  week  or  two,  will  often  entirely  eradicate  the 
tendency  to  this  extremely  painful  complaint. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  given  on  the  tongue  as 
directed  above. 

In  the  different  forms  of  headache  I  have  found  great 
benefit  from  the  use  of  the  Battery.  Place  the  negative 
pole  to  the  foot.  Hold  the  positive  pole  in  one  hand  and 
pass  the  other  hand  over  the  forehead  and  down  the 
spine. 

VERTIGO. 

This  is  generally  symptomatic,  disappearing  when  the 
cause  is  removed,  yet  it  is  sometimes  the  prominent 
symptom. 

When  occasioned  by  a  derangement  of  the  stomach, 


VERTIGO.  225 

Ant.)  Bell.,  Nux-v^  Chamn  Merc.  Puls.,  and  Rhus  may 
be  consulted. 

By  nervous  affections:  Am.,  Sell.,  Chin^  Hep.-s^  Nux~ 
v.,  Puls.,  Mosch.,  Rhus. 

When  occasioned  by  congestion  of  Hood  :  Acon^  Bdl^ 
Chin.,  Con.,  Op.,  Puls.,  Nux-w.,  Sulphur. 

Suppressed  ulcers  and  eruptions :  Cole.,  or  Sulphur. 

The  motion  of  a  carriage :  Hep.-s.  and  Sil.,  or  Cocc. 
and  Petrol. 

Aconite. — Vertigo  on  rising  from  a  recumbent  posture 
or  stooping,  nausea  or  cloudiness  of  the  eyes,  loss  of  con- 
sciousness and  whirling  in  the  head. 

Antimonium. — Disordered  stomach  with  nausea  and 
vomiting. 

Arnica. — When  occasioned  by  too  full  a  meal,  and  at- 
tended by  nausea,  cloudiness  of  the  eyes,  and  whirling 
in  the  head. 

Belladonna. — Vertigo,  with  anguish,  dizziness,  cloudi- 
ness, or  sparks  before  the  eyes,  or  with  staggering,  nau- 
sea, trembling  and  recurrence  of  the  attacks  on  stooping 
or  rising  up. 

Conium. — Whirling  vertigo,  causing  the  patient  to  fall 
sideways,  heaviness  and  fullness  of  the  head,  weakness 
of  memory. 

Hepar-s. — Produced  by  the  motion  of  a  carriage  or 
moving  the  head,  with  nausea,  fainting,  and  dizziness. 
If  not  sufficient,  follow  by  Cocc^  Petrol,  or  Silicea. 

Lachesis. — With  paleness  of  the  face,  fainting  and 
bleeding  at  the  nose,  particularly  in  the  morning. 

JVux-v. — During  and  after  a  meal,  when  walking  in  the 
open  air,  in  the  morning,  or  in  the  evening  in  bed,  or 
when  lying  on  the  back,  with  whirling  or  wavering  in 
the  head,  buzzing  in  the  ears,  cloudiness  of  the  eyes  or 
fainting. 

Opium. — Coming  on  when  rising  up  in  bed,  or  caused 
10* 


226  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    HEAD. 

by  fright,  and  attended  with  trembling,  dizziness,  and 
humming  in  the  ears. 

Puhatilla. — Vertigo  on  raising  the  eyes,  or  when 
seated,  or  stooping,  or  in  the  evening  in  bed,  or  after  a 
meal,  with  nausea,  heaviness  in  the  head,  humming  in 
in  the  ears,  paleness  of  the  face. 

Silicea. — Vertigo  in  the  morning,  on  elevating  the 
eyes ;  from  the  motion  of  a  carriage,  or  mental  emotion, 
with  nausea  and  retching. 

Sulphur. — Vertigo  when  sitting ;  in  the  act  of  ascend- 
ing ;  after  a  meal ;  in  the  morning ;  at  night  with  nau- 
sea; fainting  and  bleeding  at  the  nose. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a 
tumbler  of  water ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  on  the 
tongue.  Give  once  in  from  one  to  four  hours,  according 
to  circumstances. 

APOPLEXY. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  attack  is  generally  preceded  by  pre- 
cursory symptoms,  which  if  promptly  met  by  the  appro- 
priate remedies,  often  readily  yield,  and  thus  the  attack 
itself,  for  the  time  is  warded  off.  There  is  dullness  and 
heaviness  of  the  head,  obscuration  of  sight,  buzzing 
in  the  ears,  hardness  of  hearing,  great  disposition  to 
sleep,  which  however  is  unrefreshing  and  disturbed  by 
dreams ;  derangement  of  the  memory,  heat  and  throbbing 
of  the  arteries  of  the  head,  and  sometimes  severe  shoot- 
ing pain ;  cold  hands  and  feet,  pulse  slow,  full,  and  in- 
termittent, and  not  unfrequently  torpor  of  the  abdominal 
organs. 

When  total  apoplexy  of  the  brain  takes  place,  the  pa- 
tient falls  down  without  consciousness,  totally,  or  par- 
tially paralyzed ;  the  breathing  is  stertorous  and  slow, 
the  pulse  hard,  full  and  slow,  the  eyes  are  staring  and 
protruded,  speech  difficult,  or  entirely  lost,  the  face  is 
livid,  and  vomiting  frequently  takes  place. 


APOPLEXY.  227 


In  some  cases  the  patient  complains  of  a  sudden  and 
violent  headache,  vomiting  sets  in,  the  pulse  is  at  first 
soft,  the  face  pale,  and  the  patient  in  a  kind  of  stupor ; 
gradually  the  stupor  increases,  the  face  becomes  red,  the 
patient  answers  with  difficulty,  coma  sets  in,  from  which 
every  effort  to  rouse  the  patient  is  unsuccessful. 

CAUSES. — Apoplexy  is  more  frequent  among  males  than 
females,  and  generally  occurs  after  persons  have  passed 
the  prime  of  life.  A  predisposition  to  apoplexy  is  indi- 
cated by  a  stout  short  body,  large  and  short  neck,  corpu- 
lence, dark,  red  countenance.  The  predisposition  is  in- 
creased by  rich  living,  piles,  and  sedentary  habits. 

It  is  also  frequently  induced  by  sudden  changes  of 
temperature,  strong  mental  emotion,  abuse  of  spirituous 
drinks,  or  narcotic  substances,  tight  cravats,  and  organic 
affections  of  the  heart. 

TKEATMENT.* — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease  the 
homoeopathic  plan  is  much  more  successful  than  any 
other.  If  taken  during  the  premonitory  symptoms,  as  I 
have  already  stated,  the  attack  can  generally  be  warded 
off. 

The  first  step  should  of  course  be  to  remove  the  ex- 
citing causes.  Tight  dresses  should  be  loosened,  the  pa- 
tient placed  in  a  cold  place,  where  there  is  plenty  of 
fresh  air,  and  the.  head  and  trunk  raised.  Should  the 
attack  have  been  produced  by  poison,  this  should  at  once 
be  antidoted.  (See  chapter  on  Poisons  and  their  Anti- 
dotes.) 

The  premonitory  symptoms  require  principally,  Aeon.) 
Bell.)  Opium,  Nux-v^  Ipecac.,  Coff^  and  Mercury. 

B Madonna  is  an  important  remedy,  where  there  is 
severe  pain  in  the  forehead,  and  heat  in  the  head,  draw- 
ing, tearing,  or  heaviness  and  dullness  of  the  head,  vertigo, 
illusions  of  the  senses,  great  restlessness,  sopor,  stertorous 
breathing,  dilated  pupils. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


228  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

Coffee. — When  produced  by  mental  emotion ;  sad  and 
whining  mood,  great  nervousness  and  sleeplessness,  heavi- 
ness and  tightness  of  the  head,  with  pain  as  if  bruised. 

Opium. — Particularly  in  old  persons,  and  when  oc- 
casioned by  ardent  spirits.  Stupor,  coma,  stertorous 
breathing,  red,  bloated  face,  moaning,  motion  of  the  lips 
as  if  to  talk,  full  and  slow  pulse,  with  throbbing  of  the 
arteries  of  the  head. 

Hyosciamus. — Sudden  attack,  accompanied  by  con- 
vulsive motions  and  followed  by  snoring  breathing.  The 
precursory  symptoms  are  characterized  by  languor,  oc- 
casional loss  of  consciousness,  disposition  to  sleep,  from 
which  he  starts  in  affright,  small  and  feeble  pulse,  violent 
vertigo,  illusions  of  the  senses,  sad  and  peevish  mood. 

Nux.-wom. — In  the  precursory  stage,  in  persons  of  seden- 
tary habits,  or  addicted  to  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  par- 
ticularly when  there  is  vertigo  and  dull  heavy  pain  on 
the  right  side. 

Arnica. — Particularly  when  occasioned  by  mechanical 
injuries  and  where  it  appears  after  a  meal. 

Mercury. — Distensive  pain  in  the  head  as  if  it  would 
burst,  throbbing  of  the  arteries,  uneasiness  and  heavi- 
ness of  the  limbs,  languor  and  lassitude  from  the  least 
exertion,  blackness  of  sight,  with  vertigo.  Frequently 
in  alternation  with  Belladonna. 

ADMINISTRATION. — In  violent  cases  where  the  attack  has 
actually  commenced,  do  not  trust  too  much  to  your  own 
resources,  but  send  immediately  for  a  physician,  giving 
in  the  mean  time  a  dose  of  the  appropiate  remedy  every 
fifteen,  twenty,  or  thirty  minutes.  For  the  precursory 
symptoms  a  dose  may  be  given  three  or  four  times  a  day. 
Mix  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules  of  the  remedy  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  giving  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or 
place  three  globules,  or  a  powder  on  the  tongue. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  diet  where  premonitory  symp- 
toms are  present,  is  all-important.  It  should  be  light 


INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    BRAIN.  229 

and  spare,  and  consist  entirely  of  bread,  fruit  and  vege- 
tables, and  in  very  moderate  quantities. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

Encephalitis.    Meningitis.    Arachnoiditis. 

The  position  of  the  brain  and  the  membranes  which 
invest  it,  has  already  been  explained  in  the  chapter  on 
Anatomy.  Inflammation  of  the  brain  itself,  is  called 
Encephalitis,  of  the  Dura  Mater  or  membrane  next  the 
skull,  Meningitis,  of  the  covering  next  the  brain,  Arach- 
noiditis. As  it  would  be  difficult  to  discriminate  between 
these  varieties  of  inflammation,  and  not  essential  to  the 
treatment,  it  will  be  only  necessary  to  give  some  of  the 
prominent  symptoms  which  characterize  inflammation 
of  the  brain  and  its  investing  membranes. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  attack  may  come  on  suddenly,  with  but 
little  pain,  but  characterized  by  a  drowsy  sensation  and 
great  stupor,  sensitiveness  to  light,  dizziness,  and  contract- 
ed pupil.  This  is.  more  frequently  the  form  of  attack  in  old 
persons.  More  commonly  however,  there  is  severe  pain, 
heat  and  fullness  in  the  head ;  throbbing  of  the  arteries, 
irritability,  vertigo,  sleeplessness,  or  restless  sleep,  with 
disturbed  dreams,  or  starting  as  in  affright,  stupor,  un- 
steady gait.  The  pulse  is  full,  sometimes  suppressed, 
but  generally  rapid.  As  the  disease  increases  and  as- 
sumes a  distinct  character,  the  pain  in  the  head  may  be- 
come dull  and  heavy,  and  be  aggravated  by  the  slightest 
movement,  the  head  hot  and  burning,  the  countenance 
flushed  and  wild,  the  eyes  shining  and  red,  the  pupils 
contracted ;  great  sensitiveness  to  light,  grating  of  the 
teeth,  great  stupor  and  stertorous  breathing,  delirium, 
mild,  or  wild  and  raving.  The  deeper  the  interior  of  the 
brain  is  affected,  the  more  the  senses  become  stupified, 
until  the  patient  may  become  entirely  unconscious.  The 
thirst  is  intense,  the  skin  dry  and  hot,  and  the  pulse 
generally  small,  frequent,  and  tremulous. 


230  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    HEAD. 

TREATMENT.* — External  application  should  be  made  to 
the  head  of  cold  water,  taking  care  to  remove  the  cloths 
frequently  before  they  become  warm,  or  what  is  still 
better,  the  application  of  a  bladder,  filled  with  pounded 
ice.  The  latter  is  much  the  best  as  the  cold  is  continuous. 

Aconite. — Particularly  at  the  commencement  of  the 
disease,  and  when  there  is  violent  inflammatory  fever, 
burning  pains  in  the  head,  redness  of  the  face  and  de- 
lirium. It  is  often  indicated  before  or  in  alternation 
with  Belladonna. 

Belladonna  is  a  very  important  and  in  fact  the  prin- 
cipal remedy  in  this  disease.  Where  there  are  violent 
burning  and  shooting  pains  in  the  head,  together  with 
great  heat  and  violent  pulsations  in  the  head,  and  red- 
ness of  the  face.  Red,  sparkling  eyes,  with  furious  look, 
loss  of  consciousness,  sometimes  low  mutterings,  at  others 
furious  delirium,  convulsions,  spasmodic  constriction  of 
the  throat,  vomiting,  &c.  The  patient  buries  the  head 
in  the  pillow  and  is  exceedingly  sensitive  to  light  or 
noise.  In  alternation  with  Aconite,  or  perhaps  Hyosoia- 
mus,  or  Stramonium. 

Hyosciamus. — Drowsiness,  loss  of  consciousness,  wild 
and  talkative,  or  muttering  delirium,  talking  about  his 
own  aifairs,  dilation  of  the  pupils ;  picking  the  bed  clothes, 
redness  of  face ;  inarticulate  speech. 

Stramonium. — Constant  jerks  of  the  limbs,  moans,  and 
tossing  during  sleep,  and  frequently  absence  of  mind  on 
walking ;  timidity  and  fear. 

Bryonia. — Prolonged  shiverings,  with  heat  in  the  head, 
thirst;  constant  inclination  to  sleep,  with  delirium,  starts, 
cries,  pressive  burning  or  shooting  pain  in  the  head. 

Opium. — Lethargic  sleep,  with  snoring,  half  open  eyes, 
dizziness  on  waking,  frequent  vomiting,  entire  apathy 
and  indifference  to  every  thing. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  atum- 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


SUN-STROKE. FALLING    OFF    OF   THE    HAIR.  231 

bier  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every  one  or  two  hours,  and 
sometimes  in  exceedingly  severe  cases  every  half  hour, 
until  the  severity  of  the  symptoms  abates. 
DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  same  as  in  fevers. 

SUN-STROKE. 
Coup-de-Soleil. 

This  is  a  kind  of  inflammation  of  the  brain  produced 
by  exposure  to  the  strong  heat  of  the  sun.  It  is  quite 
common  in  India,  and  other  warm  climates.  The  head 
may  be  bathed  with  brandy,  and  a  small  quantity  given 
internally  occasionally,  until  the  prominent  symptoms 
are  relieved. 

Camphor  may  be  given,  one  drop  at  a  dose,  at  intervals 
of  five  or  ten  minutes,  to  be  followed  after  four  or  five 
doses  have  been  taken,  by  Belladonna,  alone  or  in  alter- 
nation with  Carb.-v^  or  Lachesis,  half  an  hour  apart. 

FALLING  OFF  OF  THE  HAIR. 

Alopecia. 

Consult  a  physician  if  possible,  if  not,  avoid  the  cause 
if  you  can  discover  it,  and  examine  some  of  the  following 
remedies. 

Where  it  is  occasioned  by  severe  acute  disease :  H&pa/r- 
8.9  Calccvrea,  and  Silicea  may  be  consulted. 

In  Lying-in-  Women :  Calcarea^  Sulphur. 

From  Debilitating  losses :  China,  Ferrum,  or  Mercury. 

From  G-rief:  JPhos.-ac.,  or  Ignatia. 

From  frequent  attacks  of  headache  :  Hepar-s.,  Nit.-ac.^ 
Phosphorus,  Sepia. 

From  abuse  of  Mercury :  Hepar-s.,  or  Carb.-v. 

When  there  is  a  strong  tendency  of  the  hair  to  turn 
grey :  Phos.-ac.,  Sulph.-ac.  or  Graphitis. 

When  there  is  much  scurf  on  the  head:  Calcarea, 
Graphitis. 

The  head  should  be  bathed  frequently  with  cold  water, 


232  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

but  oily  applications  should  as  a  general  thing  be  avoided. 
The  great  object  is,  to  keep  the  scalp  clean  and  gently 
stimulate  the  hair  bulbs,  which  may  be  done  in  the 
manner  described  above,  but  which  oily  applications 
seldom  accomplish.  It  is  sometimes  advisable  to  put 
five  or  six  drops  of  Comiharidis  into  a  tumbler  half  full 
of  water,  and  wash  the  head  once  or  twice  a  day.  A  dose 
of  the  medicine  may  be  taken  every  night,  or  night  and 
morning. 


AFFECTIONS    OF   THE   EYES,    EARS,   AND   NOSE.  233 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    EYES,    EARS,  AND 
NOSE. 

1.    AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EYES.* 

The  eyes  are  subject  to  various  disorders,  but  the  ex- 
treme delicacy  of  the  organ  renders  it  highly  important 
that  as  a  general  thing  they  should  be  treated  by  a  care- 
ful and  scientific  physician  or  occulist.  The  step  from 
sight  to  blindness  is  so  short,  that  often  the  utmost  care 
and  caution  are  neccessary  to  ward  off  serious  conse- 
quences. Examine  particularly  the  article  on  the  eye 
in  the  chapter  on  Anatomy. 

Lotions  should  as  a  general  thing  be  avoided,  confin- 
ing external  applications  to  pure  soft  water,  milk  and 
water,  or  a  mixture  made  from  pouring  water  upon  quince 
seeds.  These  applications  may  be  made  either  cold  or 
tepid,  according  to  the  feeling  of  the  patient.  If  the 
redness  is  occasioned  by  external  injury,  or  is  slight  and 
the  result  of  a  simple  cold,  six  drops  of  Arnica  may  be 
placed  in  a  cup  half  full  of  water,  and  the  eye  washed 
with  it  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

WEAKNESS  OF  SIGHT. 
Aniblyopia. 

Under  this  head  we  shall  include  Amaurosis,  and  the 
various  forms  of  weakness  of  sight,  most  frequently  met 
in  practice. 

The  causes  are  exceedingly  numerous,  and  sometimes 
difficult  to  detect.  It  may  arise,  as  in  amaurosis,  from 
a  weakened,  paralyzed,  or  diseased  state  of  the  retina  or 
optic  nerve.  It  may  be  occasioned  by  inaction  or  derange- 

*  For  a  description  of  the  eye,  see  plate  1,  and  Anatomy. 


234  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EYES. 

ment  of  some  of  the  various  branches  of  nerves,  which 
pass  to  different  parts  of  the  eye,  and  not  unfrequently 
by  gastric,  nervous,  or  catarrhal  derangement,  or  general 
weakness  of  the  entire  system,  occasioned  by  disease, 
too  frequent  sexual  indulgence,  and  self-pollution,  long- 
continued  watching,  great  mental  anxiety  or  trouble. 
It  may  also  be  occasioned  by  too  great  labor  of  the  eyes, 
exposure  to  strong  light,  constant  reading,  especially  in 
the  twilight,  and  that  variety  of  employment  which  re- 
quires close  application. 

Amaurosis,  sometimes  coming  on  gradually,  at  others 
running  its  course  with  great  rapidity,  may  end  in  partial 
or  entire  blindness.  If  neglected  too  long  there  is  but 
little  hope  of  relief,  yet  if  taken  in  time,  it  can  speedily 
be  removed  by  a  judicious  homoeopathic  treatment. 
There  may  be  more  or  less  pain  about  the  eyes  and 
the  head,  a  dimness  of  sight,  every  thing  looking  thick 
and  muggy,  or  appearing  as  if  seen  through  a  net- 
work, black  specks  before  the  eyes  like  moats  or  cin- 
ders, multiplying  in  number  until  the  whole  becomes 
dark,  or  the  first  symptoms  may  be  a  remarkable  dimi- 
nution of  the  apparent  size  of  objects ;  thus  a  horse  may 
not  appear  larger  than  a  dog. 

TREATMENT.* — In  all  forms  of  weakness  of  sight  parti- 
cular attention  should  be  directed  to  the  general  health 
the  causes  of  the  trouble  should  be  carefully  avoided1 
and  the  utmost  care  taken  to  live  in  accordance  with  the 
laws  of  nature.  Pure  and  bracing  air,  out-door  exercise, 
healthy  nourishing  food,  frequent  bathing,  and  a  cheerful 
disposition,  are  of  vast  importance.  As  it  regards  some 
of  the  various  causes,  where  the  disease  has  been  pro- 
duced by  employment  in  fine  work,  Bell^  Ruta>  Oalc.f 
or  'V/c/.  may  be  consulted. 

Where  the  result  of  d>l  'dilating  causes :  Natr.-m.-, 
Chin.,  Phos.-ac.  Nux-v.,  Sulphur.  • 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


WEAKNESS    OF    SIGHT.  235 


From  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors :  Chin.,Lach.,Nux.-v.t 
Opium. 

The  result  of  a  cold  :   Bell^  Dulc.,  Euph.,  Pulsatilla. 

In  aged  persons :  Aur.,  Con.,  Op.,  Secale. 

In  scrofulous  persons :  Bell.,  Cole.,  Merc.,  Sulph.,  Aur., 
Hep-s.,  Iodine. 

The  result  of  rheumatism  :  Cham.  Euph,  Merc.,  Puls^ 
JRus.,  Hell.,  Spig.,  Causticum. 

Of  suppressed  eruption :  Calc.,  Caust^  $il^  Merc., 
Sulphur. 

Abuse  of  mercury:  Aur.,  Nit.-ac.,  Sell.,  Hyos.,  Nux-v. 

Connected  with  congestion  to  the  head:  Op^  Bell^ 
Hyos.,  Nux  vom. 

With  disease  of  the  ear  :  Nit.-ac.,  Petrol.,  Pulsatilla. 

With  gastric   or  abdominal  affections:    Capsn 
Nux-vom.,  Puls.,  Staphysagria. 

With  uterine  derangement:    Plat*,  Sep^   Con^ 
Sulph. 

With  pulmonary  affections :  Cole.,  Hep.-s^  Tod.,  /&7., 
Phosphorus. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATIONS. — Aurum. — Plames  and  sparks 
or  black  points  before  the  eyes ;  appearance  of  objects 
as  if  they  were  divided  horizontally. 

Belladonna. — Dilated  or  insensible  pupils ;  great  into- 
lerance of  light ;  flames,  black  points  or  colored  or  sil- 
very spotst-  before  the  eyes ;  nocturnal  blindness  com- 
mencing at  sunset ;  pressive  and  shooting  pain,  extend- 
ing to  the  orbit  and  forehead. 

Calcarea. — Confusion  of  sight  as  if  looking  through  a 
mist,  especially  when  reading ;  intolerance  of  light ;  di- 
lated pupils. 

Cicuta. — Frequent  suspension  of  vision,  vertigo,  wa- 
vering of  objects  before  the  sight,  and  apparent  move- 
'ment  of  letters  when  reading. 

//;yY>$,-/,,/////.v. — ^Nocturnal  blindness,  diluted  pupils, 
strabismus,  and  illusions  of  sight. 


236  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EYES. 

Mercury. — Cloudiness  of  sight ;  black  points,  sparks 
and  dancing  motes  before  the  eyes ;  sudden  attacks  of 
blindness ;  great  sensibility  of  the  eyes ;  shooting  or 
pulsative  pain. 

JVux-v. — Sparks  or  spots  before  the  eyes ;  sensibility 
to  the  brightness  of  day ;  heaviness  and  contraction  of 
the  eyelids. 

Phosphorus. — Sudden  attacks  of  blindness;  objects 
appear  as  if  covered  with  a  grey  veil ;  sensibility  to  the 
brightness  of  day,  and  black  spots  before  the  eyes. 

Pulsatilla. — Confused  sight  as  if  looking  through  a 
fog,  or  something  which  might  be  removed  by  rubbing ; 
intolerance  of  light  with  shooting  in,  or  flaming  circles 
before  the  eyes ;  contraction  of  the  pupils,  and  profuse 
discharge  of  tears. 

Ruta. — Confusion  of  sight  as  if  looking  through  a 
mist ;  dancing  black  points  before  the  sight,  and  press- 
ing, burning  pains  in  the  eyes,  especially  when  fa- 
tigued. 

Silicea. — Momentary  attacks  of  blindness,  confusion 
and  pale  appearance  of  letters  when  reading;  black 
spots  before  the  eyes,  intolerance  of  light,  and  discharge 
of  tears. 

Sulphur. — Confusion  of  sight  as  if  looking  through  a 
mist,  or  a  black  veil  were  before  the  eyes  ;  intolerance 
of  light ;  sudden  attacks  of  blindness  by  day ;  sparks, 
dancing  moats  and  black  spots  before  the  eyes ;  profuse 
discharge  of  tears  or  excessive  dryness  of  the  eyes. 

Agaricu*. — Incipient  amaurosis  ;  indistinct  sight ; 
every  thing  appears  obscured  as  from  muddy  water,  or 
surrounded  with  mist,  or  as  if  covered  with  cobweb ; 
double  sight,  black  motes  hovering  before  the  sight 
Consult  also  Ophthalmia. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globu^s,  in  a 
tumbler,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six 


OPHTHALMIA.    ,  237 


globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.      A  dose  may  be  admin- 
istered from  once  to  three  times  a  day. 

OPHTHALMIA. 
Inflammation  of  the  Eyes. 

In  inflammation  of  the  eye,  the  irritation  generally 
extends  also  to  the  lids,  as  the  conjunctiva  or  external 
membrane  of  the  eyeball  is,  as  we  have  already  shown, 
reflected  over  the  inner  surface  of  the  eyelids. 

External  applications  may  consist  of  either  cold  or 
tepid  water,  or  milk  and  water,  or  a  mucilage  made  by 
pouring  water  on  quince  seeds.  The  room  should  be 
darkened,  and  the  patient  kept  as  quiet  as  possible.  Care 
also  should  be  taken  that  matter  from  the  diseased  eye 
should  not  be  transmitted  to  those  of  the  attendant,  as 
a  similar  inflammation  would  be  the  result.  In  simple 
inflammation  of  the  eye,  a  lotion  may  be  used,  two  or 
three  times  a  day,  composed  of  one  grain  Sulph.-zinc  to 
a  tablespoonful  of  water. 

The  prominent  remedies  in  Ophthalmia  are  Bell^  Arn^ 
Eiiphrasia,  Aeon.,  and  Merc.  These  remedies  may  be 
indicated  in  almost  every  variety  of  the  disease.  In 
treating  this  disease,  we  shall  for  the  sake  of  clearness, 
speak  of  it  under  the  following  heads. 

a.  Catarrhal  Ophthalmia. 

J.  Rheumatic  and  Arthritic  Ophthalmia. 

c.  Scrofulous  Ophthalmia. 

d.  Syphilitic  Ophthalmia, 

a.    CATARRHAL  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  is  generally  the  result  of  a  cold,  frequently  affects 
both  eyes,  and  may  be  attended  with  cough  and  fever. 
The  redness  gradually  extends  over  the  whole  conjunc- 
tiva, at  first  there  is  profuse  discharge  of  tears,  then 
more  or  less  secretion  of  mucus.  The  eye  is  sensitive 
to  the  light ;  pressure  in  the  eyes  with  burning,  shooting 


AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    EYES. 

pains,  and  sensation  as  if  sand  were  lodged  between  the 
lids,  are  also  present. 

Aconite  is  an  important  remedy  in  the  commencement 
of  the  treatment,  either  alone  or  in  alternation  with 
belladonna  or  ChamomUla. 

Chamomilla  is  servicable  when  there  is  slight  catarrhal 
fever,  sensation  of  pain  on  opening  and  closing  the  lids, 
which  are  often  closed  with  mucus. 

Belladonna  is  an  invaluable  remedy,  where  there  is 
congestion  to  the  head,  great  redness  and  dryness  of  the 
eyes,  and  sensitiveness  to  light.  It  is  particularly  indi- 
cated where  there  is  a  profuse  watery  discharge  from 
the  nose,  accompanied  with  the  usual  catarrhal  symp- 
toms. 

The  indications  of  Euphrasia  are  similar  to  those  of 
Belladonna,  with  the  exception  that  with  the  former 
there  may  be  a  profuse  discharge  of  tears  and  mucus, 
which  is  not  characteristic  of  Belladonna.  The  £"u- 
phrasia  is  also  more  particularly  indicated  where  the 
inflammation  is  violent  and  extensive,  or  where  little 
ulcers  may  have  formed  around  the  cornea. 

Ignatia  will  be  of  service  where  there  is  but  little  ap- 
parent inflammation,  but  severe  aching  pain  in  the  balls, 
accompanied  with  great  sensitiveness  to  light,  and  pro- 
fuse lachrymation  and  coryza. 

DOSE. — Dissolve  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full 
of  water,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours,  increasing  the  in- 
tervals as  the  symptoms  improve. 

A  disposition  to  catarrhal  ophthalmia  on  every  change 
of  the  weather,  can  frequently  be  relieved  by  a  few  doses 
of  .^nlph^  Cole.,  or  Nux-v. 

In  the  first  stage  of  the  disease,  four  drops  of  Arnica, 
may  be  placed  in  a  cup  of  water,  with  which  the  eye 
may  be  bathed. 


OPHTHALMIA.  239 


b.     RHEUMATIC  AND  ARTHRITIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  variety  of  ophthalmia  is  generally  connected  with 
rheumatic  and  gouty  difficulties,  and  is  attended  with 
severe  pain.  There  are  sticking,  tearing  or  boring  pains 
in  the  eyeballs,  orbits,  and  not  unfrequently  in  the 
temples,  aggravated  by  change  of  weather.  Great  red- 
ness of  the  eye,  sensitiveness  to  light,  and  sometimes 
profuse  lachrymation  are  also  present.  This  is  a  highly 
dangerous  variety  of  ophthalmia,  as  the  inflammation  is 
liable  to  extend  to  the  internal  membranes,  and  create 
ulceration  of  the  cornea,  and  frequently  loss  of  sight. 

The  prominent  remedies,  are  Acon^  Bell.,  Spig.,  Col., 
also  Puls.,  Bry.,  Hhus.  Sulphur,  Calc^  Htp^ 
Mure.,  may  also  be  consulted. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  commencement  of  the  difficulty, 
if  the  inflammation  should  be  slight,  and  the  disease 
evidently  of  a  rheumatic  character,  Bryonia  and  Pul- 
satilla  may  be  given  in  alternation,  and  if  there  should 
be  considerable  fever  present,  and  the  pain  be  more 
severe,  JKhas  and  Aconite  may  be  alternated  in  the  same 
way. 

As  a  general  thing,  where  the  usual  inflammatory 
phenomena  are  present,  Aconite  should  commence  the 
treatment,  either  in  alternation,  or  followed  by  Bella" 
donna,  if  there  should  be  indications  of  congestion  to 
the  brain,  violent  pain  about  the  eyes  and  profuse 
lachrymation. 

Belladonna  is  particularly  useful,  when  beside  the 
symptoms  already  mentioned,  there  are  severe  aching 
pains  over  the  eyes,  with  pain  in  the  balls  as  if  they 
would  be  torn  out  or  pressed  into  the  head ;  sparks  and 
flashes  before  the  eyes ;  intolerance  of  light,  confusion  of 
sight,  &c. 

Euphrasia  is  a  valuable  remedy  where  the  pain  is 
severe,  the  inflammation  extending  to  the  cornea,  or  if 


240  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EYES. 

ulcers  have  formed  there,  and  the  pupil  become  con- 
tracted. 

Spigdia  is  suitable  when  the  eyeballs  feel  swollen  and 
exhibit  a  number  of  enlarged  vessels ;  the  pain  is  violent, 
sticking,  boring,  and  digging,  and  proceeds  from  the  in- 
terior of  the  eye ;  on  opening  the  eyes  objects  seem  to 
float  in  fire. 

Colocynth  is  an  invaluable  remedy  where  the  pains 
are  seated  in  the  eyeballs,  and  are  of  a  burning,  cutting 
character,  and  where  there  is  congestion  of  the  head, 
intolerance  of  light,  lachrymation,  pressing  and  tearing 
pain  in  the  whole  brain,  most  violent  in  the  forehead  on 
moving  the  eyes. 

Veratrum.  Tearing  pain  interrupting  sleep  at  night; 
intolerable  headache. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours  until  the  pain  is  relieved ;  then 
every  four  hours. 

Sulphur  is  also  of  importance  near  the  close  of  the 
disease,  or  to  quicken  the  action  of  the  other  remedies. 
See  also,  Inflammation  of  the  eyelids  and  weakness  of 
sight. 

SCROFULOUS  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  is  a  common  form  of  ophthalmia,  but  generally 
is  confined  to  children.  The  eyeball  is  very  red  and 
bundles  of  enlarged  vessels  run  towards  the  cornea ;  there 
is  intolerance  of  light,  profuse  discharge  of  corrosive  tears, 
increased  secretion  of  mucus,  and  an  aggravation  of  symp- 
toms towards  morning ;  the  eyelids  are  generally  redden- 
ed, and  if  the  cornea  is  affected,  it  becomes  dim  and 
sometimes  ulcerates. 

Arscnicum  may  be  given  when  the  pains  are  of  a 
burning  character. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  three  times  a  day. 

Belladonna.  Sensation  of  pressure  in  the  eyes,  worse 
on  turning  them  up ;  sensitive  to  light. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenicum. 


OPHTHALMIA.  241 


Hepar.  Particularly  useful  in  children  who  have 
taken  calomel  and  when  the  lids  are  red,  sore,  and  pain- 
ful to  the  touch,  as  if  bruised. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  morning  and  night. 

China.  Pain  in  the  eyes  in  the  evening,  with  sensation 
as  if  there  were  sand  in  them. 

DOSE. — Same  as  China. 

Dulcamara.  Will  be  of  benefit  when  cold  is  the 
exciting  cause. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenicum. 

Mercurius.  When  the  pains  are  cutting,  worse  in  the 
evening  and  in  a  warm  bed ;  the  eyes  fill  with  tears  and 
are  sensitive  to  the  light;  sight  clouded  and  small  pustules 
on  the  ball. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Arsenicum. 

Calcarea  and  Sulphur  are  both  prominent  remedies,  in 
chronic  cases,  when  they  may  be  given,  a  dose  of  one  in 
the  morning,  and  of  the  other  at  night.  See  also  Tu- 
berculosis. 

d.     SYPHILITIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  variety  of  ophthalmia  may  arise  from  suppressed 
gonorrhoea  or  syphilis,  and  from  a  transmission  of  the 
matter  to  the  eye.  The  treatment  should  commence 
with  Aconite,  followed  after  the  fever  is  somewhat  sub- 
dued, by  Mercury,  and  this  after  eight  or  ten  doses  have 
been  taken,  if  decided  relief  is  not  obtained,  by  Nit-ac., 
Sulph.,  or  Thuja. 

A  physician  should  be  consulted  immediately,  as 
prompt  and  skilful  treatment  is  necessary  to  avoid  serious 
consequences. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder, 
or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue.  In  severe  cases  a 
dose  in  one  or  two  hours,  but  as  the  symptoms  gradually 
abate,  the  intervals  may  be  extended  to  four  or  six  hours. 
11 


242  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EYES. 

In  the  milder  forms  of  the  disease,  a  dose  once  in  four  or 
six  hours  will  be  sufficient.     See  also  page  12. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  patient  should  be  kept  per- 
fectly quiet,  and  the  room  more  or  less  darkened,  to  suit 
the  feelings  of  the  patient.  The  diet  should  be  simple, 
as  in  fevers. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

Aconite. — Where  the  eyelids  are  swollen,  hard  and 
red,  with  heat,  burning,  and  dryness;  or  where  there  are 
burning  and  tensive  pain,  pale  and  shining  swelling,  in- 
tolerance of  light,  fever,  &c.  BJl^  Hep.,  or  Sulph^  are 
often  suitable  after  this  remedy. 

Belladonna. — Eyelids  swollen  and  red,  burning  and 
itching,  bleeding  on  opening  them,  or  with  the  margins 
everted,  or  paralytic  heaviness  of  the  lids. 

Ccdcarea. — Incisive,  burning  or  smarting  pain,  espe- 
cially when  reading,  with  red,  hard  and  large  swelling, 
copious  secretion  of  humor,  and  nocturnal  agglutination. 

Euphrasia. — Ulceration  and  itching  of  the  margin  of 
the  eyelids,  redness  and  swelling  and  agglutination  by 
night ;  coryza  and  pain  in  the  head. 

Hepar~8.—~ Redness  of  the  eyelids,  with  pain  as  from 
ulceration,  or  as  from  a  bruise  when  touched ;  nocturnal 
agglutination.  Often  after  Aconite  or  Mercury. 

Mercury. — Eyelids  hard,  with  swelling,  difficulty  in 
opening  them,  ulcers  on  the  margin,  pustules  on  the  con- 
junctiva, scabs  round  the  eyes,  pain  and  itching,  or  absence 
of  pain. 

l^ulsatilla. — Inflammatory  redness  of  the  conjunctiva, 
secretion  of  mucus,  appearance  of  styes,  nocturnal  agglu- 
tination. 

Xu'phur. — Redness  of  the  eyelid,  with  burning  pains, 
discharge  of  humor ;  ulceration  of  the  margin,  pustules 
and  ulcers  around  the  orbits.  It  may  be  followed  or 
alternated  with  benefit  by  Calcarea. 

ADMINISTRATION. — In  acute  cases  the  remedy  may  be 


STYE    ON    THE    EYELID.  243 


taken  once  in  from  three  to  six  hours;  in  chronic  cases 
once  or  twice  a  day.  One  drop  or  six  globules  may  be 
mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tab]espoonful  taken 
at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  taken  dry 
on  the  tongue.  See  also  page  12. 

STYE    ON    THE    EYELID. 

A  swelling  or  ulceration  of  the  meibomian  glands, 
situated  in  the  margin  of  the  eyelid,  is  called  a  stye. 
This  difficulty  is  exceedingly  annoying,  but  of  short 
duration. 

On  the  first  appearance  of  the  swelling,  Pulsatilla  is 
the  prominent  remedy,  a  dose  three  times  a  day.  Should 
however  ulceration  take  place,  a  powder,  or  three  globules 
of  Mercury  may  be  alternated  with  the  same  amount  of 
JETepar-s.,  one  dose  of  each  during  the  day. 

In  these  cases  I  have  found  great  benefit  in  slightly 
touching  the  stye,  twice  a  day,  with  a  very  little  mild 
Citrine  ointment,  obtained  at  the  druggists.  Be  careful 
not  to  let  it  get  into  the  eye. 

For  a  predisposition  to  these  swellings,  or  where  they 
present  a  hardened  appearance,  Staph.,  Calc.,  or  &ulph. 
may  be  given  one  dose,  or  six  globules,  each  day. 

WATERY  EYES,  OR  WEEPING. 

As  we  have  already  explained,  in  speaking  of  the  ana- 
tomy of  the  eye,  ducts  or  little  tubes,  called  the  lachrymal 
ducts,  pass  from  the  inner  canthus  of  the  eye  into  the 
nose,  carrying  off  the  water  secreted  by  the  tear-glands. 
When  these  little  ducts  are  either  partially  or  entirely 
closed  by  some  obstruction,  the  tears,  unable  to  pass  off 
by  the  usuaj  channel,  must  of  necessity  flow  over  the 
lids  upon  the  cheek.  This  difficulty,  to  say  the  least,  is 
exceedingly  annoying,  rendering  an  almost  constant 
wiping  of  the  eye  necessary. 

The  prominent  remedies  are,   Calc.,  Tod.,  Puts.,  Bell., 
Sil.,  Petrol.,  and  Sulphur.    The  two  first  may  be  given 


244  AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    EYES. 

in  alternation,  a  dose  of  Cdlcarea  one  day,  and  of  the 
Iodine  the  next  If  the  attack  is  recent  and  accom- 
panied with  swelling,  &c.  Belladonna  and  Pulsatilla 
may  be  alternated  in  the  same  way. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue;  if  the 
tincture  is  used,  one  drop  may  be  prepared  and  administered  as 
heretofore  directed. 

NEAR-SIGHTEDNESS. 
Myopia. 

This,  when  of  long  continuance  is  often  occasioned  by 
a  too  great  prominence  of  the  eye-ball,  and  may  frequently 
be  entirely  removed  by  gently  pressing  it  with  the  finger 
daily,  so  that  it  gradually  assumes  the  more  flat  or  natural 
form.  In  aged  persons  and  even  in  others,  debilitated 
by  disease,  where  the  sight  is  weakened,  the  eye  may  be 
too  flat,  and  with  the  finger  gently  compressing  the  ball 
not  unfrequently  the  original  prominence  is  given  to  the 
eye,  and  the  natural  sight  restored. 

The  prominent  remedies  in  short-sightedness  are, 
Puls.,  Sulph.,  Phos.-ac.,  Nit.-ac.  and  Carl.-v. 

When  occasioned  by  ophthalmia,  Pulsatilla  or  Sulphur 
may  be  given  every  other  night ;  when  caused  by  abuse 
of  Mercury:  Carb.-ac.,  or  Nit.-ac.,  and  from  debilitating 
losses,  Pho8.-ac.,  in  the  manner  indicated  above. 

Dose. — Same  as  in  "  Watery  eyes,  or  weeping." 

FOREIGN  SUBSTANCES  IN  THE  EYE. 
If  particles  of  dust  enter  the  eye,  they  can  generally 
be  removed  by  bathing  it  in  cold  water,  or  turning  the 
head  on  one  side,  gently  opening  the  lids  and  dropping 
three  or  four  drops  of  water  into  the  outer  canthus.  The 
water  flows  inward  over  the  eyes  and  washes  out  the 
particles.  If  the  matter  is  not  removed  in  this  way,  raise 
the  lid,  gently  bringing  it  forward  over  the  other,  at  the 
same  time  looking  towards  the  nose.  If  a  hard  particle 
should  become  imbedded  in  the  membranes  of  the  eye. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EYES  AND  EARS.         245 

a  silk  handkerchief  or  the  point  of  a  needle  may  be  used 
to  remove  it.  The  inflammation  caused  by  the  irritation 
may  be  removed  by  washing  the  eye  in  cold  water  or 
with  a  mixture,  composed  of  six  drops  of  Arnica  to  a 
cup  of  water. 

FALLING    OF    THE    LID 

Frequently  bathing  the  eye  with  cold  water  and  using 
as  much  as  possible  the  muscles  on  that  side  of  the  face 
where  the  affection  exists  will  be  found  advantageous. 

The  prominent  remedies  are,  Veratrum,  Zinc,  Nit.-ac., 
Belladonna^  Nux,  Pulsatilla,  and  Sepia.  A  powder,  or 
three  globules,  of  the  selected  remedy  may  be  givec 
every  third  day. 

2.    AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS. 

M  U'M  P  S. 

Parotitis. 

Perhaps  this  is  as  appropriate  a  place  as  any  to  intro- 
duce this  oftentimes  troublesome  and  painful,  though  sel- 
dom dangerous  disease.  It  consists  in  an  inflammation  of 
the  large  gland  lying  under  and  in  front  of  the  ears.  It 
more  frequently  occurs  in  children  and  seldom  attacks  a 
person  but  once. 

TREATMENT.* — In  its  simple  form  it  requires  but  little 
treatment,  except  placing  a  handkerchief  around  the 
neck,  and  keeping  the  patient  in  the  house. 

Mercury  in  most  cases  will  be  found  a  specific.  A 
powder,  or  three  globules,  may  be  taken  two  or  three 
times  a  day.  If  the  tumor  should  suddenly  disappear, 
and  sharp  pain  be  felt  in  the  brain,  with  lethargy  and 
delirium,  Belladonna  should  be  given  every  hour,  followed 
after  three  or  four  doses,  if  necessary,  by  Hyosciamus. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  given  as  directed  above. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


246  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EAR. 

Should  the  swelling  assume  an  erysipelatous  charac- 
ter, attended  with  considerable  restlessness  and  fever, 
BMadoTina  and  RJius  may  be  alternated  two  or  three 
hours  apart  If  there  should  be  a  metastasis  to  the  sto- 
mach, or  if  the  voice  should  become  hoarse,  Ca>-b.-wog. 
may  be  given,  in  the  same  manner  as  Belladonna,  also 
if  there  is  slow  fever  and  the  tumor  begins  to  harden, 
Mercury  having  proved  insufficient.  If  there  is  a  me- 
tastasis to  the  testicles,  as  is  often  the  case,  the  testicles 
swelling  and  becoming  excessively  painful,  Pulsatilla, 
NUX-VI  or  Mercury  are  the  appropriate  remedies,  given 
at  intervals  of  from  two  to  four  hours,  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  patient  should  be  confined 
to  fruit  and  light  farinaceous  articles  of  diet,  avoiding 
all  animal  food  and  stimulating  drinks. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EAR. 
Otitis. 

This  is  an  exceedingly  painful  disease,  attended  with 
heat,  redness  and  swelling,  burning,  stinging,  lacerating 
and  throbbing  pain,  aggravated  by  motion,  frequently 
extending  over  the  whole  head,  and  often  affecting  the 
brain,  accompanied  with  the  usual  symptoms  of  cerebral 
inflammation.  There  is  generally  considerable  fever, 
often  delirium,  and  not  unfrequently  in  children,  vomit- 
ing, coldness  of  the  extremities,  and  convulsions. 

This  affection  is  generally  the  result  of  cold,  but  some- 
times occasioned  by  the  inflammation  of  an  adjoining 
organ,  or  the  suppression  of  some  cutaneous  eruption. 

Pulsatilla  is  the  most  important,  and  in  fact  almost 
specific  remedy  in  inflammation  of  the  ear,  a  dose  of 
which  at  first  may  be  given  every  hour,  gradually  in- 
creasing the  intervals  as  the  pain  subsides. 

Bdladonna,  however  will  be  required  should  symp- 
toms of  inflammation  of  the  brain  set  in,  either  with  or 


EAR-ACHE.  247 


without  convulsions ;  if  violent  fever  is  present,  it  may 
be  alternated  with  Aconite,  one  or  two  hours  apart. 

Should  there  be  confused  noise  or  sensation  as  of  water 
rolling  in  the  head  with  throbbing  pain,  or  if  there  is 
yellowish  discharge  from  the  ear,  Mercury  may  be  re- 
quired, at  intervals  of  three  or  four  hours,  until  better. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Same  as  in  fever. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water",  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  powder  on  the  tongue.  See  also  page  12. 

EAR-ACHE. 

Otalgia. 

There  is  often  pain  more  or  less  severe  in  the  ears, 
even  when  but  little  if  any  perceptible  inflammation  is 
present. 

When  of  a  rheumatic  character,  Belladonna,  Mercury, 
or  Pulsatilla  are  the  prominent  remedies. 

When  the  result  of  a  chill  or  suppressed  perspiration, 
Ohamomilla,  Dulcamara,  Pulsatilla,  China  or  Sulphur 
may  be  consulted. 

Belladonna.— Digging  and  boring  pains,  tearing  and 
shooting,  sometimes  extending  into  the  throat,  with  roar- 
ing and  humming  in  the  ears;  great  sensibility  to  noise; 
severe  pain  in  the  head  and  eyes,  together  with  fullness 
and  heat  in  the  head  and  face. 

Pulsatitta. — Jerking  and  lacerating  pains  as  if  some- 
thing were  endeavoring  to  pass  out  through  the  ears ; 
redness,  swelling,  and  heat  of  the  external  ear,  or  shoot- 
ing and  lacerating  pains,  excessively  violent,  extending 
over  the  whole  side  of  the  head;  particularly  in  females 
of  a  chilly  disposition  or  easily  moved  to  tears. 

CJiamomilla. —  Cutting,  as  from  knives ;  sensation  of 
stoppage  about  the  ear ;  great  sensibility  to  noise,  and 
extreme  sensitiveness  to  pain. 

Mercury. — Shooting  pains,  extending  into  the  cheeks 
and  teeth ;  sensation  of  coldness  in  the  ear,  and  aggra- 


248  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EARS. 


vation  of  pain  in  bed  ;  spasmodic  pain  with  inflamma- 
tory redness  of  the  ear. 

Jfu&v. — Lacerating  or  shooting  pain  extending  into 
the  forehead  and  temples,  with  lacerating  in  the  bones 
of  the  face,  worse  in  the  morning  or  evening. 

Platina. — Spasmodic  pains ;  rolling  and  thundering  in 
the  ears;  coldness  of  the  ears  and  tingling,  extending 
over  the  face. 

Spigelia. — Pressive  pain  as  if  caused  by  a  plug,  with 
aching  and  tearing  in  the  bones  of  the  face. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  every  one  or  two  hours 
until  relieved.  If,  notwithstanding  the  administration 
of  the  appropriate  remedy,  the  pain  is  not  entirely  re- 
moved, a  few  doses  of  Sulphur,  given  at  intervals  of  four 
or  six  hours,  will  generally  complete  the  cure.  See  also 
page  12. 

DEAFNESS. 
Difficulty  in  hearing. 

Hardness  of  hearing  may  be  produced  by  cold,  mecha- 
nical injury,  various  diseases,  and  in  many  cases,  as 
where  it  occurs  in  the  aged,  be  developed  without  pain, 
and  give  to  the  patient  no  clue  to  its  cause. 

Sometimes  from  birth,  the  ears  are  impervious  to  all 
sound,  and  consequently  the  child,  having  no  guide  in 
the  sound  of  others'  voices  for  the  modulation  of  his 
own,  is  not  only  deaf  but  dumb.  This  condition  at  first 
thought  so  dreadful,  is  now  through  the  interposition  of 
science  and  our  various  excellent  asylums,  deprived  of 
half  its  terrors. 

We  shall  only  have  space  to  give  some  of  the  leading 
indications  for  the  treatment  of  the  various  forms  of 
deafness,  yet  sufficiently  full  however  for  domestic  -prac- 
tice, as  it  is  often  complicated  with  other  difficulties 
rendering  the  skill  of  the  physician  essential.  Derange- 


DEAFNESS.  249 


ment  of  hearing,  the  result  of  catarrhal  or  rheumatic 
affections,  produced  by  a  chill,  generally  requires  Arsenic, 
Belladonna,  Mercury,  Pulsatilla,  Calcarea,  Causticum, 
Hepar-s.,  Nit.-ac.,  or  /Sulphur. 

Occasioned  by  suppressed  eruption :  Sulphur  or  An- 
tiniony. 

The  result  of  measles :  Pulsatilla  or  Carfi.-v. 

Of  Scarlatina  :  Belladonna  or  Hepar. 

Of  Small  Pox:  Mercury  or  Sulphur. 

Of  abuse  of  Cinchona  in  Intermittent  Fever  :  Carb.-v^ 
Calcarea,  Pulsatilla. 

Of  abuse  of  Mercury,  Nit.-ac.*  Aurum,  Carb.-v.,  Sul- 
phur. 

Of  Fevers,  Nervous  Affections,  &c. :  Arnica,  Phos- 
phorus, Veratrum. 

When  produced  by  by  a  suppressed  discharge  from 
the  ears  or  nose  :  Hepar-s.,  Lachesis,  Belladonna. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATIONS. — Calcarea. — Deafness  as  if 
the  ears  were  obstructed  ;  humming,  rolling  or  tinkling, 
singing,  and  noise,  or  throbbing  and  heat  in  the  ears. 
Dryness  of  the  ears  or  purulent  discharge;  pressive 
headache  in  the  forehead. 

Causticum. — Vibration  of  sound,  even  the  patient's 
voice  in  the  ear ;  sensation  of  obstruction,  with  rumbling, 
humming,  and  roaring  in  the  ears ;  discharge  from  the 
ears  ;  rheumatic  pain  and  great  sensitiveness  to  cold. 

Graphites. — Dryness  in  the  ears  or  purulent  discharge ; 
singing,  whistling,  tinkling  or  humming,  and  thunder- 
ing in  the  ears,  particularly  at  night,  eruption  around 
the  ears. 

Lachesis. — Often  after  Causticum,  and  where  there  is 
dryness  in  the  ears,  painful  pulsations  or  cracking,  roll- 
ing, drumming  and  reverberation  of  sound  in  the  ears ; 
excoriation  around  the  ears. 

Mercurius. — Sensation  of  obstruction,  ceasing  when 
swallowing  or  blowing  the  nose ;  reverberation  of  sound 
11* 


250  AFFECTIONS    OF   EARS. 

in  the  ears  ;  tinkling,  roaring  and  humming,  particularly 
in  the  evening;  discharge  from  the  ear,  sometimes  with 
ulceration ;  rheumatic  pain  in  the  ears  and  head,  and 
great  tendency  to  perspiration. 

Nitric'deid. — Dryness  or  discharge  from  the  ears ;  sen- 
sation of  obstruction,  with  grumbling,  throbbing,  or 
cracking;  frequent  toothache,  with  affections  of  the 
gums. 

Phosphorus. — Great  difficulty  in  hearing  sounds,  and 
yet  excessive  reverberation  of  sounds  in  the  ears,  with 
resonance  in  the  head ;  throbbing  and  pulsations  in  the 
ears. 

Pulsatilla. — Tinkling  or  chirping  in  the  ears,  or  sen- 
sation as  if  they  were  stopped,  with  roaring  and  hum- 
ming ;  shooting  pains  in  the  ears ;  hard,  black  or  liquid 
wax,  and  sometimes  discharge  of  pus  or  blood. 

Sulphur. — Difficulty  of  hearing,  especially  the  human 
voice  ;  closing  up  of  the  ears,  particularly  when  eating, 
and  blowing  the  nose ;  gurgling,  as  if  caused  by  water, 
or  humming  and  roaring ;  discharge  from  the  ears,  and 
disposition  to  colds  in  the  head. 

Consult  also  Inflammation  and  Running  of  the  ear. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Deafness  is  sometimes  caused  by  a 
collection  of  hardened  ear-wax,  in  which  case,  have  it 
carefully  removed.  A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be 
given  morning  and  night,  every  night,  or  every  other 
night,  according  to  circumstances.  See  also  page  12. 

NOISES    IN    THE    EARS. 

This  difficulty  seldom  exists  alone,  but  is  generally 
connected  with  some  other  affection,  as  deafness,  inflam- 
mation of  the  ears,  or  running  at  the  ears.  See  those 
diseases. 


RUNNING    OF   THE    EARS.  251 

RUNNING    OF    THE    EARS. 
Otorrhwa. 

Running  of  the  ears,  is  frequently  found  in  scrofulous 
persons,  and  is  often  the  result  of  a  cold,  and  of  other 
diseases,  particularly  affections  of  the  ear. 

If  the  result  of  acute  inflammation  of  the  ear,  Pulsar 
tilla.  Mercury,  Sulphur,  are  the  prominent  remedies. 

If  occasioned  by  cold,  Belladonna,  Mercury  or  Pulsa- 
tilla  will  be  required. 

Occurring  after  Measles  or  Scarlatina :  Belladonna, 
Hepar-s.,  Mercury,  Pulsatilla. 

After  Small  Pox :  Mercury,  Sulphur,  Carb.-v. 

From  abuse  of  Mercury:  Aurum.,  Nit.-ac.,  Silicea. 

In  Scrofulous  persons  :  Hepar-s.,  Mercury,  Sulphur, 
Iodine. 

When  the  discharge  is  of  a  purulent  character  :  He- 
par-s.,  Mercury,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea,  Calcarea,  Nit-ac., 
or  Aurum  may  be  required. 

Bloody:  Mercury,  Pulsatilla,  Lachesis,  Silicea,  Sul- 
phur. 

Offensive :  Carb.-v.,  Hepar-s.,  Mercury,  Pulsatilla. 

A  sudden  suppression  of  the  running  may  be  followed 
by  exceedingly  unpleasant  symptoms,  such  as  swelling 
of  the  glands  in  the  throat,  neck,  or  testicles,  and  vio- 
lent headache  and  fever. 

If  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck  commences, 
Belladonna,  Mercury,  or  Pulsatilla  should  be  given.  If 
there  is  violent  headache,  Belladonna,  or  Bryonia ;  if  the 
suppression  is  occasioned  by  cold,  Dulcamara,  or  Mer- 
cury ;  and  if  the  testicles  should  commence  swelling, 
Mercury,  Pulsatilla,  or  Aurum  will  be  required.  The 
remedy  selected,  should  be  given  every  three  or  four 
hours,  until  better. 

Belladonna  and  Mercurius  are  particularly  useful  in 
discharge  after  scarlet  fever,  or  small  Pox,  alternate  six 


252  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    EARS. 


hours  apart.     Sulphur  and  Calcarca  will  be  required  in 
tedious  diseases. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Give  the  remedy  once,  or  twice  a 
day,  if  the  symptoms  are  urgent,  for  six  or  eight  days, 
when,  if  no  improvement  is  perceptible,  another  remedy 
should  be  selected.  Two  drops,  or  eight  globules, 
should  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table  spoon- 
ful given  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  on  the 
tongue. 

FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES    IN    THE    EAR. 

In  every  part  of  our  body,  we  perceive  the  most  won- 
derful evidence  of  design  and  wisdom.  Were  it  not  for 
the  excessive  bitterness  of  the  wax  in  our  ears,  they 
would  be  constantly  liable  to  be  invaded  by  insects ;  as 
it  is,  so  far  as  the  ears  are  concerned,  they  seldom  give 
us  any  trouble.  When,  however,  insects  do  get  into  the 
ear,  with  a  little  care  they  can  be  removed.  If  the  sub- 
stance should  be  of  a  hard  nature,  as  a  bean,  pea,  or 
seed,  care  should  be  taken  not  to  crowd  it  farther  in, 
but,  bending  the  point  of  a  pin  or  needle  in  the  form 
of  a  hook,  it  can  generally  be  inserted,  and  the  offend- 
ing substance  drawn  out,  after  which,  if  the  ear  should 
be  inflamed,  it  may  be  washed  by  a  mixture,  composed 
of  two  drops  of  Arnica,  to  one  tablespoonful  of  water. 

3.  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  NOSE. 

The  nose  is  liable  to  numerous  affections,  but  as  they 
are  mostly  connected  with  other  troubles,  the  treatment 
as  a  general  thing,  is  given  in  connection  with  those  dis- 
eases. The  symptoms  and  treatment  of  Coryza,  or  cold 
in  the  head,  which  frequently  involves  the  nose,  has 
already  been  given  in  connection  with  Influenza  and 
catarrhal  difficulties. 


BLEEDING  OF  THE  NOSE.  253 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  NOSE. 

This  may  arise  from  a  bruise,  when  it  can  be  relieved 
by  Arnica,  or  cold  water.  It  is  often  produced  by  cold, 
abuse  of  ardent  spirits,  scrofulous  and  syphilitic  affec- 
tions, and  a  variety  of  other  causes. 

If  there  is  swelling,  soreness,  heat  or  erysipelatous 
redness  about  the  nose,  a  few  doses  of  Belladonna  will 
generally  produce  relief.  For  the  indication  of  other 
remedies,  see  Coryza,  or  cold  in  the  head. 

Where  there  are  ulcerations  or  scabs  in  the  nostrils : 
Alum.,  Aurum,  Borax,  Mercury,  Nit.-ac.,  or  Sulphur, 
may  be  given. 

A  discharge  of  pus  generally  indicates,  Aurum,  Mer- 
cury, Sulphur. 

Syphilitic  inflammation  requires  Mercury,  or  if  that 
remedy  hai  already  been  used  to  excess,  Nit.-ac.,  Aurum, 
or  Thuja. 

If  arising  from  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors ;  let  liquor 
alone,  and  take,  Arsenic,  Calcarea,  Belladonna,  Phos- 
phorus. 

In  Scrofulous  persons :  Aurum,  Calcarea,  Mercury, 
Phospliorus,  Sulphur. 

Warts  on  the  nose  :  Causticum. 

ADMINISTRATION. — The  remedy  may  be  taken  one,  two, 
or  three  times  a  day,  according  to  the  severity  of  the 
symptoms.  Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  should  be 
mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  given 
at  a  dose ;  or  three  globules,  or  a  powder,  taken  dry  on 
the  tongue. 

BLEEDING  OF  THE  NOSE. 

Epistaxis. 

Bleeding  at  the  nose  is  not  unfrequently  an  accom- 
panying symptom  of  various  diseases,  particularly  in 
fevers,  where  there  is  a  strong  tendency  of  blood  to  the 


254  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    NOSE. 

head.  When  it  occurs  on  what  is  called  the  critical  days, 
it  is  looked  upon  as  favorable.  It  is  sometimes  con- 
stitutional and  is  very  often  produced  by  the  disturbance 
of  some  other  organ. 

When  it  arises  from  congestion  to  the  head :  Aconite, 
Belladonna  or  JRhus,  will  be  required.  See  congestion 
to  the  head. 

Occurring  during  Coryza :  Arsenic,  or  Pulsatilla.  See 
that  affection. 

In  children  subject  to  verminous  difficulties :  Cina, 
Spigelia,  Mercury. 

Preceding  Catamenia:  Lachesis,  Pulsatilla. 

In  women  when  the  Catamenia  are  too  feeble :  Pul- 
satilla, Sepia,  Secale. 

In  women  where  they  are  too  profuse :  Aconite,  Cro- 
cus, Sabina. 

In  women,  absence  of  Catamenia :  Bryonia,  Pulsatilla, 
Sepia. 

From  great  weakness  :  China,  Secale,  Ferrum. 

From  being  over-heated :  Aconite,  Belln  or  Carb.-veg. 

From  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors:  Nux-vom.,  Bell., 
Carb.-veg. 

From  great  exertion :  Am.  or  JRhus. 

Tendency  to  bleed  from  the  slightest  cause:  Calc^ 
Carb.-veg.,  Silicea,  Sepia. 

Cold  water,  or  ice  water,  should  be  applied  to  the  root 
of  the  nose,  and  the  head  be  kept  elevated  as  much  as 
possible. 

ADMINISTRATION. — One  drop,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tum- 
bler of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder, 
or  six  globules,  on  the  tongue.  In  severe  cases,  the 
remedy  should  be  administered  every  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes. 

Heating  or  stimulating  food,  until  the  tendency  to  the 
attack  has  subsided,  should  of  course  be  avoided.  See 
also  page  12. 


ULCERATION    OF   THE   NOSE.     •  355 

ULCERATION  OF  THE  NOSE. 
Catarrh. 

In  this  disease,  an  ulcer  is  formed  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  nose,  and  sometimes  in  the  cavity  of  the  cheek-bone, 
discharging  a  pus-like  substance,  or  pus  mixed  with 
blood:  As  the  ulceration  spreads,  a  sensation  of  tight- 
ness and  obstruction  is  felt  about  the  nose,  severe  aching 
pain  is  also  felt  about  the  root  of  the  nose,  and  over  the 
eyes ;  as  the  disease  increases,  unless  arrested,  the  car- 
tilage and  even  the  bones  of  the  nose  may  become  in- 
volved, and  frightful  deformity  ensue.  The  discharge 
is  sometimes  exceedingly  fetid,  and  seems  to  drop  into 
the  throat,  causing  nausea,  and  sometimes  vomiting. 
This  disease  requires  the  attention  of  a  careful  physician. 
The  treatment  may,  however,  commence  with  Bella- 
donna,  at  intervals  of  six  hours,  followed  after  three  or 
four  doses  by  Mercury,  morning  and  night,  and  that  in 
like  manner  by  Sulphur  or  Aurum.  If  the  pain  is  ex- 
ceedingly severe  in  the  evening,  and  there  is  reason  to 
expect  syphilitic  combination,  the  treatment  may  com- 
mence with  Mercury,  a  dose  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
or  if  that  remedy  has  been  taken  in  excess,  Aurum, 
Nit.-ac.,  or  Sulphur,  may  be  given  in  the  same  manner. 

Scabs  in  the  lower  part  of  the  nostrils  generally  re- 
quire, Lachesis,  Calcarea,  Carb.-veg.,  Graphites*  Silicea. 
A  dose  every  night. 


256       AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    TEETH,    MOUTH    AND    THROAT. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH,  MOUTH  AND  THROAT. 

Sound  and  healthy  teeth  depend  in  a  great  measure 
upon  bodily  health.  Persons  who  have  always  been 
healthy,  who  are  never  troubled  with  derangements  of 
the  stomach  or  bowels  seldom  have  aching  or  decayed 
teeth.  Derangement  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  from 
whatever  cause  it  may  be  produced,  is  exceedingly 
liable  to  affect  the  teeth,  producing  slow  or  rapid  de- 
cay, and  those  torturing  pains,  the  most  agonizing  to  be 
borne,  and  yet  for  which  the  patient  receives  the  least 
sympathy. 

Some  teeth  even  in  apparently  healthy  persons  seem 
to  be  extremely  brittle,  and  far  more  liable  to  decay  or 
crumble  away  than  others.  We  have  already  explained 
the  formation  of  teeth,  their  connection  with  the  nerve, 
and  the  cause  of  some  of  the  torturing  pains,  to  which 
they  give  rise  when  diseased.  As  the  teeth,  strictly 
speaking,  come  under  the  province  of  the  dentist  rather 
than  the  physician,  it  will  be  only  necessary  to  give 
some  general  directions  how  to  preserve  them,  and  how 
to  alleviate  the  sufferings  they  produce  when  in  a  dis- 
eased state. 

Pay  strict  attention  to  the  general  health,  keep  the 
stomach  and  bowels  in  a  natural  state,  and  above  all, 
even  if  you  are  still  wandering  in  the  boggy  and  cloudy 
regions  of  allopathy,  avoid  taking  large  quantities  of 
various  nostrums,  cathartics,  mineral  acids,  &c.  Keep 
the  mouth  sweet  and  clean  by  rinsing  it  with  pure  cold 
water,  and  brushing  the  teeth  in  the  morning,  and  after 
each  meal,  avoid  also  exposing  the  teeth  to  sudden 
changes  of  heat  and  cold,  as  drinking  cold  water,  when 
the  mouth  is  filled  with  hot  food.  If  tartar  forms  on  the 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  257 

teeth,  have  it  carefully  removed.  If  the  teeth  become 
diseased,  consult  a  judicious  and  skilful  dentist,  and  do 
not  because  they  ache  a  little  have  them  extracted  forth- 
with. Your  own  teeth,  however  poor  they  may  be,  if 
they  do  not  affect  your  general  health,  and  can  be  pre- 
vented from  paining  you,  are  generally  far  better,  than 
any  artificial  teeth,  however  beautiful,  or  skilfully  pre- 
pared. Teeth  are  often  extracted  because  the  patient 
is  vexed  with  long-continued  pain,  and  the  dentist  is 
willing  to  indulge  the  whim,  partly  because  it  saves  him 
future  trouble,  because  it  gives  him  a  fine  opportunity 
to  display  his  skill,  and  pocket  a  good  fee,  in  preparing 
an  artificial  set,  when  even  a  greater  amount  of  skill 
might  be  displayed  in  patching  up  the  tooth  and  saving- 
it,  if  only  for  two  or  three  years. 

Dentistry  has  reached  a  state  of  perfection  in  this 
country  far  superior  to  that  of  any  other  in  the  world, 
and  in  point  of  beauty  almost  rivals  in  its  work  nature 
itself.  The  thought  is  very  consoling,  when  we  see  our 
teeth  making  their  exit  one  after  the  other,  that  art  has 
given  us  the  means  of  replacing  them  by  others  equal 
in  beauty,  though  not  quite  as  serviceable. 

TREATMENT. — Bell.,  Cham,  or  Merc,  may  be  given  in 
most  cases  of  toothache,  until  the  more  specific  remedy 
is  ascertained. 

Pains  affecting  several  teeth  at  once  usually  require, 
Cham.,  Merc.,  Rlius  or  Staphysagria. 

Affecting  also  the  bones  of  the  face :  Hyos.,  Merc., 
Sulphur. 

Extending  to  the  eyes  :  Pulsatilla. 

To  the  ears :  Cham.,  Merc.,  Pulsatilla. 

To  the  head  :  Cham.,  JVuayv.,  Merc*,  RJius,  Pulsatilla, 
Belladonna. 

With  swelled  face  or  gums  :  Am.,  Cham^ 
Sep.,  Sulph.,  Aur.,  JBell.,  Bryonia. 


258   AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH,  MOUTH  AND  THROAT. 


For  rheumatic  tootJiache:  Aeon.,  BdL,  Bi^y.,  Puts., 
Hhus,  Cham.,  Staph.,  Saltina. 

Of  a  nervous  character  •  Bell..  Cliam.,  Coff.,  Hyos., 
Ign.,  Plat.,  Spig. 

Occasioned  by  abuse  of  Mercury  :  Carbo-v.  or  Nit.-ac. 

From  a  cold  /  Bell.,  Bry.,  Rhus,  Puls.,  Merc.,  Dale. 

Occurring  at  the  period  of  Catamenia  :  Cole.,  Carl.-v., 
Chamomilla. 

During  Pregnancy  :  Bell.,  Calc^  Nu&w.,  Puls.,  Sep., 
Staph. 

In  hysterical  persons  :  Ign.  or  Sepia. 

In  children  :  Calc^  Bell.,  Cham.,  Coff.,  Ignatia. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATION.  —  Aconite.  —  If  there  is  consi- 
derable fever,  congestion,  heat  and  swelling  of  the  gums 
and  face,  with  great  restlessness.  Frequently  in  alterna- 
tion with  Belladonna. 

Belladonna.  —  Drawing,  lacerating  or  shooting  pain 
in  the  teeth,  face,  and  ears,  worse  at  night,  in  the  even- 
ing, and  on  lying  down.  Swelling  of  the  gums  and 
cheek  ;  heat  and  redness  of  the  face  ;  salivation  or  dry- 
ness  of  the  mouth  and  throat  with  great  thirst.  Pains 
worse  in  the  open  air,  from  contact  with  food,  or  mental 
exertion.  After  this  remedy  Ilepar-s.,  Mercury,  C'hamo- 
milla  or  Pulsatilla  may  be  indicated. 

DOSE.  —  Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  from  half  an  hour  to  two  hours. 

Chamomilla.  —  Violent,  drawing,  jerking,  pulsative  or 
shooting  pains,  almost  insupportable,  particularly  at 
night,  when  warm  in  bed,  with  heat  and  swelling  of  the 
t;ii  •(•  ;  violent  semi-lateral  pains,  sometimes  affecting  the 
whole  side  of  the  face,  aggravated  by  eating  or  drink- 
ing ;  great  restlessness  and  weakness. 

DOSE.  —  Same  as  Belladonna. 

Mercury.  —  Lacerating,  pulsative  or  throbbing  pain, 
shooting  in  decayed  teeth  or  in  the  roots,  sometimes 
affecting  the  entire  side  of  the  face  and  extending  into 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  259 

the  glands  and  ears,  aggravated  at  night,  by  cool  damp 
air,  or  eating  and  drinking,  especially  anything  cold, 
and  almost  insupportable  in  the  warmth  of  the  bed. 
Salivation  and  swelling  of  the  cheek,  gums  or  glands. 
Sensation  as  if  the  teeth  were  too  long;  ulceration, 
bleeding,  and  discoloration  of  the  gums.  Frequently 
indicated  after,  or  in  alternation  with  Belladonna  or 
Dulcamara. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Pulsatilla. — Particularly  in  persons  of  a  mild  and 
timid  character,  with  disposition  to  shed  tears.  Tooth- 
ache with  earache  and  semi-lateral  headache,  drawing, 
shooting  or  jerking  pain,  or  pulsative  and  gnawing  pains 
with  pricking  in  the  gums,  pains  extending  to  the  face 
and  head,  to  the  eye  and  ear  of  the  side  affected,  with 
shivering  and  shortness  of  breath,  aggravation  in  the 
evening,  after  midnight,  when  warm  in  bed,  and  from 
hot  food,  mitigated  sometimes  by  cold  water  or  cool  air. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  one  or  two  hours. 

JVux-vom. — Particularly  in  persons  of  a  lively  choleric 
temperament,  with  florid  complexion,  and  in  those  who 
freely  indulge  in  coffee  and  spirituous  liquors,  or  who 
lead  a  sedentary  life.  Pains  extending  over  the  head, 
jerking,  drawing  as  from  excoriation,  in  the  teeth  and 
jaws ;  gums  swollen  and  painful,  with  pulsation  ;  pain- 
ful enlargement  of  the  glands,  pain  worse  at  night,  in 
the  morning  on  waking,  or  when  engaged  in  intellectual 
labor ;  irritable  and  peevish  temper. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Mercury. 

Calcarea. — Toothache  especially  during  pregnancy  or 
at  the  period  of  catamenia ;  congestion  in  the  head,  par- 
ticularly at  night;  pulsative  pains  and  feeling  of  ex- 
coriation; swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  gums;  pains 
increased  by  a  current  of  cold  air,  or  by  drinking  any- 
thing cold  or  hot. 

Bryonia. — Jerking,  drawing    pain,  with  looseness  of 


260  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

the  teeth,  and  sensation  as  if  they  were  too  long,  par- 
ticularly on  eating ;  pain  rendering  it  necessary  to  lie 
down,  worse  at  night  or  on  taking  anything  hot  into  the 
mouth,  or  when  lying  on  the  side  affected. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  one  or  two  hours. 

China. — Debility,  occasioned  by  nursing  or  loss  of 
fluids,  and  when  the  pain  is  increased  by  the  slightest 
contact,  or  after  eating,  or  at  night ;  sometimes  relieved 
by  clenching  the  teethi. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia.     Give  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Ignatia. — Especially  where  there  is  a  tendency  to  in- 
dulge in  grief,  and  when  the  pains  are  aggravated  by 
coffee  or  tobacco-smoke,  in  the  evening  after  lying  down, 
or  in  the  morning  on  waking.  Often  indicated  after 
CJuim.,  JVux-vom.  or  Pulsatilla. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Mezerium. — Particularly  where  there  are  drawing, 
shooting  pains,  extending  to  the  bones  of  the  face  and 
temple ;  pains  in  carious  teeth,  aggravated  by  touch  or 
movement ;  shivering  and  congestion  to  the  head. 

Rhus. — Especially  in  persons  disposed  to  melancholy, 
and  where  there  are  tearing,  jerking,  shooting  or  tingling 
pains,  worse  in  the  open  air  or  at  night,  and  relieved  by 
the  external  application  of  heat. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Spigelia. — Jerking,  pulsative  or  tearing  pain,  especially 
in  carious  teeth,  coming  on  after  a  meal  or  at  night, 
aggravated  by  cold  water  or  exposure  to  cold  air ;  fre- 
quently existing  in  connection  with  heart-symptoms. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Staphysayria. — Where  there  is  a  disposition  of  the 
teeth  to  decay  and  break,  with  paleness,  whiteness,  ulcera- 
tion  and  swelling,  and  tenderness  of  the  gums,  swelling 
of  the  cheek  and  glands ;  tearing,  drawing  pain  even  in 
the  healthy  teeth,  and  in  the  gums ;  aggravated  during 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  261 

or  immediately  after  eating,  or  drinking  anything  cold, 
and  from  contact  or  exposure  to  the  cold. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Sulphur. — Tearing,  jerking  and  pulsative  pain,  espe- 
cially in  carious  teeth ;  congestion  to  the  head  and  pulsa- 
tive headache ;  constipation ;  pain  worse  at  night,  or  on 
exposure  to  cold  air ;  swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  teeth 
and  gums.  Frequently  serviceable  after  Cqffea  or 
Aconite. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 
Coffea. — Violent  pain  with  tears,  trembling  and  ex- 
cessive anguish ;  worse  at  night,  or  after  a  meal. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours. 

Arsenicum. — Painful  looseness  and  elongation  of  the 
teeth.  Insupportable  pain,  aggravated  by  lying  on  the 
side  affected,  and  relieved  by  the  warmth  of  the  fire. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  hours. 

Ca/rbo-v. — Frequently  after  Ars.  or  Merc.,  and  where 
there  is  bleeding  and  ulceration  of  the  gums,  exceeding- 
ly sensitive  to  the  touch  and  looseness  of  the  teeth. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sulphur. 

Silicea.—' Violent  pain  in  the  jaw,  pain  worse  at  night ; 
ulcerative  tendency  of  the  skin. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sulphur. 

Nit.-ac. — Pulsative  and  drawing  or  shooting  pain, 
mostly  in  the  evening,  or  when  in  bed. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  of  the  1st  dilution,  in  a  tumbler  of  water  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Platina. — Pulsative  and  digging  pains  in  the  teeth; 
sensation  of  cramp  and  torpor  on  the  side  affected. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  three  hours. 

Sdbina. — Particularly  when  connected  with  menstrual 
functions ;  sensation  as  if  the  tooth  where  splitting  ;  ag- 
gravated by  the  warmth  of  bed.  Besides  the  above 
Hepar-t.,  Hyosciamus,  Sepia,  Veratrum,  Aconite,  it  may 
also  be  consulted. 


262  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

If  no  relief,  is  obtained  after  five  or  six  doses,  another 
remedy  should  be  carefully  selected.. 

OFFENSIVE  BREATH. 

Offensive  breath  and  bad  taste  in  the  mouth  are  al- 
most invariably  only  symptomatic  of  some  other  diffi- 
culty. When  they  arise  from  decayed  teeth,  the  teeth 
should  be  cleansed,  and  the  cavities  properly  filled  by 
a  dentist.  If  no  dentist  can  be  consulted  conveniently, 
clean  out  the  cavity  yourself,  and  fill  it  with  wax.  If  it 
should  arise  from  derangement  of  the  stomach,  consult 
the  disease  under  which  it  occurs.  See  also  Symptoma- 
tic Index. 

GUM-BOIL. 
Abscess  vn  the  Gums. 

Should  there  be  considerable  heat,  pain,  and  swelling, 
Aconite  and  Belladonna  may  be  alternated  three  or  four 
hours  apart.  If  there  is  considerable  throbbing,  pulsa- 
tive  pain,  Mercury  and  Hepar-s.  may  be  alternated  in 
the  same  way.  After  matter  has  formed,  Mercury  or 
Silicea  may  be  given  once  in  four  or  five  hours. 

DOSE. — The  Aconite  and  Belladonna  may  be  given  two  drops,  or 
twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 
The  Mercury,  Hepar-s.  and  Silicea,  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on 
the  tongue. 

SCURVY. 
Scorbutus. 

This  is  a  very  common  disease  among  sailors,  and 
those  who  have  been  a  long  time  at  sea,  deprived  of  fresh 
provisions,  particularly  vegetables,  and  also  among  those, 
where  the  air  is  damp  and  impure,  the  food  scanty,  and 
the  small  amount  of  vegetables  used,  stale  and  unhealthy. 
There  is  evidently  a  great  impoverishment  of  the  blood 
and  an  absence  of  some  of  its  most  important  consti- 
tuents. 

Notwithstanding  we  have  introduced  it  in  this  place, 


SCURVY.  263 

it  is  not  solely  a  disease  of  the  mouth,  but  pervades  the 
whole  frame.  It  is  characterized  by  great  fetor  of  the 
breath,  sponginess,  turgidity,  heemorrhage  and  ulceration 
of  the  gums  and  mouth ;  the  gums  recede,  and  the  teeth 
become  so  loose  as  to  fall  out.  There  are  livid  subcu- 
taneous spots  and  haemorrhages  in  different  parts  of  the 
body,  particularly  at  the  roots  of  the  hairs,  and  frequent- 
ly contraction  of  the  limbs.  As  the  disease  progresses, 
the  limbs  swell,  and  ulcers  appear  on  various  parts  of  the 
body. 

Scorbutic  ulcers  differ  materially  from  others.  In- 
stead of  pus  they  excrete  a  thin,  fetid,  sanious  fluid, 
mixed  with  blood ;  their  edges  are  generally  of  a  livid 
color,  spongy  and  puffed  up. 

TREATMENT. — A  change  of  diet  is  of  vast  importance, 
and  with  this  alone  a  cure  may  generally  be  effected. 
Fruits,  vegetables,  lemon-juice  and  other  acid  drinks 
should  be  used.  Potatoes  are  particularly  beneficial  as 
an  article  of  diet,  and  where  a  person  can  be  well  sup- 
plied with  them,  of  a  good  quality,  there  is  generally  but 
little  fear  of  the  scurvy. 

Mercury  is  a  highly  useful  remedy,  if  it  has  not  been 
previously  used  to  excess.  It  is  particularly  indicated 
where  the  gums  are  red,  fungous,  detached,  ulcerated 
and  readily  bleeding,  with  burning  pains  at  night ;  in- 
flammation and  ulceration  of  the  tongue  and  mouth ; 
fetid  smell  and  discharge  of  offensive  or  sanguineous  sa- 
liva ;  swelling  of  the  tongue  and  loose  scalding  evacua- 
tions. 

Nit.-ac. — Particularly  where  much  Mercury  has  been 
taken,  and  where  there  is  bleeding,  whiteness  and  swell- 
ing of  the  gums ;  salivation,  looseness  of  the  teeth,  and 
and  putrid  odor  in  the  mouth. 

Nux.-v. — Especially  in  lean  persons,  who  lead  a  seden- 
tary life,  and  are  of  a  lively  temperament,  and  where  there 
are  putrid  and  painful  swelling  of  the  gums,  with  burn- 


264  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

ing  and  pulsative  pains ;  fetid  ulcers  in  the  mouth,  noc- 
turnal salivation,  bloody  saliva,  putrid  smell  of  the  mouth, 
discolored  face,  emaciation  and  constipation.  Generally 
in  alternation  with  Arsenic. 

Arsenic. — Swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  gums,  loose- 
ness of  the  teeth ;  ulceration  on  the  margin  of  the  tongue, 
apthae,  with  violent  burning  pains ;  great  debility. 

Carb.-v.— Especially  where  considerable  Mercury  has 
been  taken,  and  where  there  are  retraction,  pain  and 
ulceration  of  the  gums,  with  profuse  bleeding,  looseness 
of  the  teeth,  and  fetid  ulcers  in  the  mouth. 

Sulphur. — Swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  gums  with 
pulsative  pain ;  vesicles  and  apthaa  in  the  mouth  and 
on  the  tongue ;  offensive  and  sour  smell  of  the  mouth. 

Sulphur-ac. — Apthse  in  the  mouth,  swelling,  ulcera- 
tion, bleeding  of  the  gums,  and  profuse  salivation. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Two  drops  in  a  tumbler,  a  tablespoon- 
ful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue. 
Give  every  four  or  six  hours,  increasing  the  intervals  as 
the  symptoms  change  for  the  better. 

CANKER  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

This  is  a  very  common  disease,  particularly  among 
children.  White  ulcerated  spots  are  seen  on  the  inside 
of  the  mouth  and  throat,  and  also  on  the  tongue,  gums, 
lips,  &c.  The  gums  swell,  are  spongy  and  recede  from 
the  teeth.  These  symptoms  are  generally  preceded  by 
feverishness,  and  more  or  less  derangement  of  the  sto- 
mach and  bowels.  There  is  often  swelling  of  the  glands 
of  the  throat  *and  mouth,  and  a  profuse  secretion  of 
acrid,  putrid  saliva. 

TREATMENT. — Mercury  is  the  most  prominent  remedy, 
unless  the  disease  has  been  caused  by  an  abuse  of  that 
drug,  when  Nit.-ac.,  or  Carlo.-v.  should  be  taken.  For 
the  symptomatic  indications  of  these  remedies,  also  Ars., 
.>  Sulph.,  Carbo-v^  Nit.~ac.  See 


SALIVATION.  265 


Bwcux. — Ulceration  of  the  gums,  mouth,  and  tongue ; 
acrid,  fetid,  urine.  Particularly  useful  in  children. 

Capsicum. — Principally  in  plethoric  persons  who  lead 
a  sedentary  life,  and  where  there  are  burning  vesicles 
in  the  mouth  and  on  the  tongue,  and  swelling  of  the  gums. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Same  as  in  Scurvy. 

SALIVATION. 
Ptyalism. 

This  disease  is  almost  always  connected  in  our  mind 
either  with  an  abuse,  or  a  free  administration  of  Merc.. 
yet  it  frequently  owes  its  origin  to  other  causes,  as  colds 
and  the  various  forms  of  fever,  particularly  the  cutaneous 
variety.  The  mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth,  and  the 
salivary  glands  connected  with  it,  which  in  health  se- 
crete only  the  necessary  amount  of  saliva,  when  irritated, 
swollen  and  inflamed  by  disease,  may  discharge  it  in 
large  quantities.  To  effect  a  permanent  cure  then,  the 
glands  and  mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth  must  be 
brought  back  to  a  healthy  state. 

Mercury  produces  the  most  frightful  ulceration  of  the 
mouth  and  surrounding  parts,  as  well  as  profuse  saliva- 
tion. The  appropriate  remedies  in  these  cases  are,  Nit.- 
ac.,  Sulphur,  Hepar-s^  Iodine  and  Belladonna. 

When  occasioned  by  cold,  fevers,  &c.,  Mercury  is  the 
prominent  remedy,  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in 
four  or  six  hours. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on  the 
tongue.  Give  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

See  also  Scurvy,  and  Materia  Medica. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

Glossitis. 

This   disease  is  exceedingly  painful,  and,  as  might 
naturally  be   supposed,   attended   with   great   anguish. 
Fortunately,  however,  it  is  of  rare  occurrence.     It  may 
12 


266  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

be  occasioned  by  cold,  derangement  of  adjoining  organs, 
abuse  of  Mercury,  ulcers,  poisons,  mechanical  injuries, 
the  sting  of  a  bee,  &c.  The  tongue  swells  to  an  enormous 
size,  so  as  to  fill  the  whole  cavity  of  the  mouth,  and  even 
protrude  beyond  the  teeth,  and  unlesss  peedily  relieved, 
suppuration,  gangrene,  or  hardening  of  the  tongue  may 
take  place. 

TREATMENT. — When  occasioned  by  mechanical  injuries 
or  by  the  sting  of  a  bee,  eight  or  ten  drops  of  Arnica 
may  be  put  in  four  tablespoonfuls  of  water,  and  the 
mouth  rinsed  with  it  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

Should  there  be  considerable  inflammation  and  fever, 
Aconite  should  be  given,  a  dose  every  hour,  followed,  if 
there  is  much  pain,  swelling,  and  tendency  to  suppura- 
tion, by  Mercury  and  Belladonna  in  alternation  one  or 
two  hours  apart. 

Arsenic  and  Lachesis  may  be  alternated  in  the  same 
manner,  should  there  be  danger  of  gangrene. 

When  the  difficulty  arises  from  the  abuse  of  Mercury, 
Nit-ac.,  or  Ilepar-s.  may  be  administered  two  or  three 
hours  apart. 

If  produced  by  a  burn,  Urtica-urens  is  the  appro- 
priate remedy,  administered  in  the  manner  indicated  for 
Arnica. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  a  powder,  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue. 
Give  as  above  directed. 

RANULA. 

Swelling  under  the  Tongue. 

This  is  occasioned  by  an  obstruction  of  the  ducts, 
through  which  a  portion  of  the  saliva  passes  from  the 
salivary  glands  into  the  mouth.  It  presents  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  bluish  eminence,  and  is  generally  without 
pain. 

The  prominent  remedies  are  Calcarea,  Mercury,  Thuja, 
commencing  with  the  first,  and  giving  a  powder  or  three 


DEFECTS    OF    SPEECH.  267 

globules  every  night  for  one  week,  when,  if  not  better, 
administer  the  next  remedy,  and  so  on  in  the  same  man- 
ner. Externally  it  may  be  washed  by  a  solution  of  ten 
diops  of  Arnica  in  a  tea-cup  of  water,  once  a  day. 

DEFECTS   OF   SPEECH. 
Stammering r,  &c. 

This  may  be  the  result  of  disease,  such  as  paralysis, 
congestion  to  the  head,  or  fever ;  in  which  case,  see  the 
respective  diseases.  It  however  very  often  exists  with- 
out any  apparent  cause,  and  in  these  cases  a  certain  men- 
tal training,  particularly  in  childhood  will  prove  far  more 
beneficial  than  any  medical  treatment,  and  will  as  a 
general  thing  be  entirely  successful. 

The  patient  should  be  advised  to  read  aloud,  slowly 
and  distinctly,  enunciating  clearly  each  word  and  sylla- 
ble, at  the  same  time,  beating  time  with  the  finger  or 
foot.  When  talking,  he  should  avoid  excitement,  keep 
the  mind  perfectly  clear,  and  pronounce  every  word 
clearly,  slowly,  and  distinctly.  A  course  of  mental  train- 
ing like  this,  will,  if  taken  in  time,  be  suflicient  to  break 
up  the  habit. 

Should  however  there  be  great  sensitiveness  of  the 
nervous  system.  A  dose  of  Belladonna^  Hyosciamus, 
StravvmiOnium,  or  Lachesis  may  be  taken  twice  a  week, 
until  five  or  six  doses  have  been  taken.  See  page  12. 

SORE    THROAT. 

Angina,  Cynanche. 

There  are  numerous  varieties  of  this  disease,  such  as 
quinsy,  simple,  ulcerated,  and  chronic  sore-throat.  It 
may  consist  of  a  slight  inflammation  of  the  fauces  and 
palate,  attended  with  but  little  pain,  or  the  swelling  may 
be  so  great  as  almost  to  choke  up  the  passage,  accom- 
panied with  fever  and  severe  pain,  and  if  not  relieved 
terminate  in  extensive  ulceration. 


268      AFFECTIONS    OF   THE    TEETH,    MOUTH    AND    THROAT. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  commencement  of  the  disease  the 
wet  bandage,  or  a  cloth  wrung  out  in  cold  water,  bound 
around  the  throat,  covered  with  a  dry  flannel,  is  an  in- 
valuable remedy,  and  in  simple  cases  with  the  addition 
of  a  few  doses  of  Belladonna,  will  be  the  only  treatment 
required.  It  should  be  applied  at  night  or  during  the 
day,  if  the  patient  remain  in  the  house. 

In  persons  subject  to  throat-difficulties,  the  chest  and 
throat  should  be  freely  sponged  with  cold  water  morn- 
ing and  evening,  taking  care,  however  to  rub  the  parts 
perfectly  dry. 

The  treatment  can  generally  be  commenced  with  Bel- 
ladonna, or  if  considerable  inflammation  and  pain  are 
present,  Mercury  may  be  alternated  with  the  Belladonna, 
from  two  to  four  hours  apart,  gradually  increasing  the 
intervals  as  the  symptoms  are  relieved. 

SYMPTOMATIC  INDICATIONS. — Aconite. — Violent  fever,  dry 
heat,  great  thirst,  restlessness,  deep  redness  of  the  parts 
affected,  pain  and  difficulty  in  swallowing  or  speaking, 
burning  and  pricking  sensation.  Frequently  in  alterna- 
tion with  Belladonna  or  Mercury. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  E 
tablespoonful  every  two  hours. 

Belladonna. — In  almost  every  variety  of  sore  throat, 
especially  where  there  are  excoriating  pains,  scraping, 
dryness,  burning  or  shooting  in  the  throat,  particularly 
when  swallowing ;  pains  shooting  to  the  ears ;  spasmodic 
constriction  of  the  throat,  with  great  difficulty  in  swal- 
lowing; inability  to  drink,  the  fluid  escaping  througli 
the  nostrils,  or  violent  thirst  with  dread  of  drinking  ; 
bright  or  yellowish  redness  of  the  parts  affected,  without 
swelling,  or  severe  swelling  and  redness  of  all  the  parts 
with  suppuration,  and  rapidly  spreading  ulcers;  accu- 
mulation of  mucus  in  the  throat;  swelling  of  the  muscles 
and  glands  of  the  neck;  fever,  hot,  red  and  swollen  face, 


SORE   THROAT.  269 


and  aching  in  the  forehead.    Mercury  is  generally  suit- 
able either  after  or  in  alternation  with  this  remedy. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite.  When  alternated  with  Aconite  or  Mer- 
cury, they  may  be  given  either  one  or  two  hours  apart,  according  to 
the  severity  of  the  symptoms. 

Mercury. — Violent  shooting  pain  in  the  throat,  espe- 
cially when  swallowing,  extending  to  the  ears  and  glands 
of  the  neck ;  excoriating  pain,  swelling  and  great  inflam- 
matory redness  of  the  parts  affected ;  difficult  swallow- 
ing, especially  drinks,  which  escape  through  the  nostrils, 
yet  a  constant  desire  to  swallow.  Ulcers  and  tendency 
to  suppuration  in  the  throat ;  elongation  of  the  palate ; 
rheumatic  symptoms  in  the  head  and  nape  of  the  neck ; 
sometimes  with  shivering.  In  the  commencement  of  the 
disease  it  may  be  indicated  in  alternation  with  Bella- 
donna, if  however  there  are  strong  symptoms  of  suppu- 
ration or  ulcerations,  it  should  be  alternated  with  Hepar- 
8.,  or  Laehesis,  and  after  the  abscess  is  broken,  with  He- 
par-s.  or  Silicea. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  two  hours. 

Lachesis. — Particularly  where  Belladonna  or  Mercury 
seem  indicated  and  yet  prove  insufficient,  and  especially 
if  there  are  excoriating  pains,  burning  and  dryness  in 
the  throat  in  circumscribed  places,  extending  to  the  ears, 
larynx  and  tongue,  with  shortness  of  breath  and  danger 
of  suffocation ;  swelling  and  redness  of  the  throat ;  sen- 
sation of  a  tumor  or  lump  in  the  throat,  inducing  a  con- 
stant disposition  to  swallow,  which  however  is  painful 
and  difficult;  symptoms  aggravated  in  the  afternoon  and 
morning,  and  by  the  slightest  touch  of  the  neck.  Com- 
pare with  Belladonna  and  Mercury. 

DOSE. — A  powder  or  six  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Ghamomilla. — Particularly  in  children,  where  the  dis- 
ease is  caused  by  checked  perspiration,  and  where  there 
are  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  throat,  burning  pain 
and  sensation  of  enlargement  in  the  throat ;  difficulty  of 
swallowing  solid  food :  tickling  in  the  larynx,  producing 


270  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

coughing  and  hoarseness,  fever    in  the  evening,  with 
flushes  of  heat,  alternating  with  shivering. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water ;  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Nux-v. — Particularly  after  Chamomilla^  or  in  persons 
lean  and  bilious,  or  of  a  sanguine  temperament ;  pain  in 
the  throat  as  from  excoriation,  especially  when  swallow- 
ing ;  sometimes  with  a  sensation  as  of  a  plug,  or  a  sense 
of  constriction  in  the  throat ;  swelling  of  the  throat,  dry 
cough,  headache ;  small  ulcers  with  a  putrid  smell. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Lachesis. 

Pulsatilla. — In  females  or  persons  of  a  mild  character, 
and  where  there  is  a  redness  of  the  throat,  with  a  sen- 
sation as  if  the  parts  were  swollen ;  scraping  pain  and 
dryness  in  the  throat,  without  thirst ;  shooting  in  the 
throat,  towards  the  ear,  particularly  when  swallowing, 
accumulation  of  tenacious  mucus;  shivering  toward 
evening. 

Dose. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Bryonia. — Hoarseness,  cold  in  the  head,  dry  cough  and 
oppressed  respiration ;  constipation  ;  pricking  and  pain- 
ful sensibility  of  the  throat,  when  touched,  on  turning 
the  head  or  swallowing ;  shootings  and  sensation  of  dry- 
ness  in  the  throat;  fever  or  shivering  and  coldness. 
After  or  in  alternation  with  Aconite. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Uepar-s. — Frequently  after  or  in  alternation  with  Bel- 
ladonna or  Mercury,  and  where  there  are  lancinating 
pains  in  the  throat,  especially  when  swallowing  or  cough- 
ing; difficult  swallowing ;  swelling  and  violent  pressure 
in  the  throat  with  danger  of  suffocation,  in  alternation 
with  Mercury. 

('<(]>*,',•>////. — Tingling  sensation  in  the  throat,  as  if  pro- 
duced by  pepper.  Inflammatory  pain  with  painful  pres- 
sure or  contraction,  particularly  during  swallowing;  vio« 
lent  pain  in  the  glands  of  the  neck  in  paroxysms ;  nice- 


SORE    THROAT.  271 


ration  in  the  mouth  and  throat,  dry  hacking  cough, 
hoarseness,  &c.  Often  of  decided  benefit  in  epidemic 
maladies,  and  where  the  difficulty  is  complicated  with 
gastric  or  rheumatic  ailments,  also  in  those  cases  where 
Cham.,  Bry.,  Ign.,  Nux-v.  and  Puls.  seem  indicated,  yet 
prove  insufficient. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Ignatia. — Red  and  inflammatory  swelling  of  the  throat 
with  severe  pain  and  great  difficulty  in  swallowing ;  sen- 
sation of  a  plug  in  the  throat,  or  shooting  to  the  ears ; 
ulceration  of  the  throat.  Compare  with  Cham.,  JVux-v., 
Puls.,  Bell.,  Mere. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Sulphur. — Swelling,  dryness,  excoriating  or  lancinating 
pain  in  the  throat ;  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck ; 
painful  sensation  of  constriction  with  difficulty  in  swal- 
lowing. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 
CocGulus. — Sensation  of  roughness  and  burning  in  the 
throat,  extending  into  the  chest,  sensitiveness  of  the  neck, 
inability  to  swallow,  excessively  violent  cough  at  night, 
gastric  derangement. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Nit.-acid  is  a  valuable  remedy,  where  the  throat  is 
filled  with  superficial  ulcers,  or  where  the  throat-difficulty 
is  occasioned  by  abuse  of  Mercury,  or  is  the  result  of 
Syphilis. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  of  the  first  dilution  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Merc.-proto-iod.  is  an  exceedingly  valuable  remedy  in 
certain  varieties  of  throat-disease.  There  may  be  swell- 
ing of  the  glands  of  the  throat,  ulcers  scattered  over  the 
gums  and  along  the  margin  of  the  tongue,  with  red  edges, 
and  an  ashy  grey  centre;  severe  inflammation  of  the 
throat,  assuming  as  it  advances,  a  deep  scarlet  or  even 
purple  color,  or  as  it  passes  into  the  chronic  form,  show- 
ing itself  in  patches,  covered  with  a  secretion  of  yellowish 


272  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

mucus,  inducing  constant  coughing.  Sometimes  where 
the  inflammation  is  intense,  as  in  malignant  scarlatina, 
the  parts  present  a  smooth,  shining  glazed  appearance, 
the  voice  sinks  into  a  whisper,  or  is  entirely  extinct,  an 
aching  sensation  is  felt  in  the  throat,  particularly  on 
pressing  the  larynx,  also  under  the  sternum  and  clavicles, 
with  weariness  and  oppression. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  once  in  three  hours. 

In  malignant  or  putrid  sore-throat,  where  the  disease 
sets  in  with  great  violence  and  often  runs  its  course  with 
frightful  rapidity,  in  addition  to  the  remedies  already 
enumerated,  the  following  deserve  attention;  consult 
also  Scarlatina. 

Sulphuric-Acid. — Sudden  and  rapid  prostration  of 
strength,  frequent  chills,  pain  in  the  throat,  with  sensation 
of  swelling,  deep  bluish  red  spots  or  patches  re-covered 
by  a  membrane,  beneath  which  is  seen  more  or  less  sup- 
puration. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  once  in 
three  or  four  hours. 

Arsenic. — Particularly  where  the  inflammation  is  of 
an  erysipelatous  character,  or  where  it  assumes  a  typhoid 
form;  great  prostration  of  strength,  burning  heat,  cold 
hands,  great  restlessness  and  anguish,  ulceration,  dis- 
charging fetid  matter  and  strong  tendency  to  gangrene. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  once  in  three  hours. 

Conium  is  also  a  valuable  remedy,  where  the  parts 
have  assumed  an  ash  grey  color  and  a  blackish  aspect, 
whitish  eruption  on  the  skin,  swollen  tongue,  bloody  and 
involuntary  stools,  together  with  the  presence  of  symp- 
toms indicating  Arsenic. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  once  in 
two  or  three  hours. 

In  the  treatment  of  this  variety  should  the  ulcers  as- 
sume a  more  healthy  character,  it  may  be  well  for  a 
time  to  cease  the  remedies  previously  given,  and  substi- 


SWELLING   OF   THE   TONSILS OF   THE   PALATE.  273 

tute  Sulph.,  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  four  or 
six  hours. 

"Where  the  disease  is  of  a  chronic  or  constitutional 
character,  sometimes  combined  with  bronchial  and  chest- 
difficulties,  the  remedies  deserving  particular  attention 
are,  Alum,  Arg.-nit.,  Bar.-c.^  Gale.,  Hep^  Loch.,  Sulph., 
Nitr.-ac.,  Natr.-m^  Nux-v.,  Sdbad.,  Sen.,  Staph. 

Where  the  disease  is  caused  by  an  abuse  of  Merc., 
BeU.,  Carb.-v.,  Hep.,  Loch.,  Sulph^  Nit.-ac. 

From  a  syphilitic  cause :  Merc^  Nit.-ac.)  Thuj.,  Sulph. 
As  it  regards  external  application,  where  the  glands  are 
much  swollen,  and  suppuration  is  apparent,  poultices  of 
flaxseed  or  slippery  elm  may  be  applied.  The  mouth 
and  gums  may  be  washed  or  swabbed  with  cold  water 
or  tepid  milk  and  water.  In  certain  varieties  of  throat- 
disease  great  benefit  has  been  derived  from  swabbing 
the  throat  with  a  solution  of  Nitrate  of  Silver,  but  this 
should  not  be  applied,  unless  by  the  hands  of  a  careful 
physician.  In  chronic  cases  the  remedy  may  be  given 
once  in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Same  as  in  fever. 

SWELLING  OF  THE  TONSILS— OF  THE  PALATE. 

We  have  included  the  treatment  of  these  diseasgs  in 
the  preceding  article.  In  some  there  is  a  tendency  to 
enlargement  of  the  tonsils  on  taking  even  a  slight  cold, 
also  to  swelling  and  elongation  of  the  palate.  The  treat- 
ment indicated  above,  together  with  gargling  the  throat 
with  cold  water,  and  the  wet-bandage,  will  generally  be 
sufficient  to  remove  the  difficulty.  The  prominent  re- 
medies are,  Nux-v^  Bell^  Merc^  Calc.,  Arg.-nit. 
12* 


274  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

AFFECTION    OF  THE   URINARY  AND 
GENITAL  ORGANS. 

The  difficulties  we  shall  enumerate  under  this  head 
will  be  more  readily  understood  by  carefully  reading 
that  part  of  the  chapter  on  anatomy,  which  refers  to 
these  organs,  and  thus  gaining  a  correct  idea  of  the  ana- 
tomical relation  of  the  parts. 

INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    KIDNEYS. 

Nephritis. 

DIAGNOSIS. — A  dull  or  acute  pain  is  felt  in  the  loins,  on 
one  or  both  sides  of  the  spine,  between  the  hips  and 
short-ribs,  and  frequently  extending  over  the  whole  of 
the  lumbar  region.  The  pain  extends  along  the  ureter 
to  the  bladder,  and  is  sometimes  attended  with  nausea, 
Tomiting,  and  colic.  The  region  of  the  kidney  is  hot 
and  painful,  the  pain  is  aggravated  by  motion  and  even 
deep  breathing,  and  the  patient  is  unable  to  lie  on  the 
affected  side.  The  urine  is  generally  of  a  fiery-red  ap- 
pearance, and  may  be  either  diminished  or  suppressed, 
or  bfe  mixed  with  pus  or  blood,  and  its  emission  attended 
with  burning  pain.  In  the  male,  the  testicle  is  drawn 
up,  and  in  most  cases  the  thigh  of  the  affected  side  is 
numb.  The  fever  is  more  or  less  severe,  and  sometimes 
assumes  the  typhoid  form.  The  urine  may  be  entirely 
suppressed  and  violent  vomiting,  delirium,  or  stupor  set 
in.  If  the  inflammation  is  not  arrested,  ulceration  may 
set  in,  the  pus  being  discharged  with  the  urine. 

TREATMENT.* — The  prominent  remedies  are,  Aconite, 
C'lutJt^  Cann^  Nux-w^  Bett.,  Ifepar-s^  Pulsatilla,  Mer- 
cury, and  Cocculus. 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


INFLAMMATION   OF   THE   KIDNEYS.  275 

Aconite  is  indicated,  where  there  is  considerable  fever 
present,  generally  in  alternation  with  Cantharides  and 
Cannabis. 

The  most  important  remedies  are,  Cantharides  and 
CannaMs,  which  are  often  given  with  advantage  in  al- 
ternation. 

C'intharidcs  is  indicated  by  the  presence  of  sticking, 
tearing  and  cutting  pains  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys, 
aggravated  by  motion,  and  coming  on  in  paroxysms. 
Painful  emission  of  urine,  sometimes  almost  impassible, 
passed  drop  by  drop,  attended  with  violent  burning  pains, 
and  mixed  with  blood.  There  is  considerable  fever,  vio- 
lent thirst,  and  constant  urging  to  urinate. 

Cannabis. — The  indications  for  this  remedy  are  similar 
to  those  of  Cantharides^  with  the  addition  of  a  drawing, 
ulcerative  pain  from  the  kidneys  to  the  groins. 

If  the  disease  should  be  caused  by  suppressed  haemor- 
rhage or  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors,  Wux.-v.  is  a  pro- 
minent remedy. 

Belladonna  will  be  found  of  benefit,  where  there  is 
burning,  stinging  pain  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  ex- 
tending along  the  ureter  to  the  bladder,  and  recurring  in 
paroxysms,  extending  to  the  abdomen,  aggravated  "by 
contact,  colic,  heat  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  restless- 
ness, constipation,  &c. 

Hepar-s.  is  often  of  advantage  after  Belladonna,  espe- 
cially in  chronic  cases. 

Mercury  will  be  of  service,  where  there  are  throbbing, 
pulsative  pains,  or  the  emission  of  pus.  See  Gravel. 

Pulsatilla — Will  be  of  benefit  in  females  of  a  lym- 
phatic temperament,  where  the  disease  is  produced  by  a 
derangement  of  the  menses. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Three  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder, 
or  six  giobules  on  the  tongue  Give  every  hour  or  two 
hours,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  symptoms.  Where 


276     AFFECTION    OF   THE   URINARY    AND   GENITAL   ORGANS. 

the  paroxysms  of  agony  are  excessively  severe,  the  re- 
medy may  be  given  until  three  or  four  doses  have  been 
taken,  every  half  hour. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Same  as  in  fevers. 

INFLAMMATION   OF  THE   BLADDER. 

Cystitis. 

Like  Nephritis,  inflammation  of  the  bladder  com- 
mences with  chills,  hot  and  dry  skin,  nausea,  and  vomit- 
ing, scanty  and  highly  colored  urine  and  constipation. 
As  the  inflammation  progresses,  the  pain  becomes  deep- 
seated,  burning  and  cutting,  sometimes  extending  over 
the  whole  abdomen,  and  into  the  penis  or  rectum.  The 
urine  is  discharged  drop  by  drop,  or  entirely  suppressed, 
is  thick,  dark-red,  and  turbid,  mixed  with  blood  or  mucus. 
The  pain  in  the  region  of  the  bladder  is  intense,  aggra- 
vated by  the  slightest  motion,  on  attempting  to  pass 
water,  or  alvine  evacuations. 

There  is  violent  thirst,  hot  and  dry  skin,  great  rest- 
lessness, and  anguish,  and  frequently,  cerebral  and 
typhoid  symptoms.  Convulsions  and  fainting  may  also 
be  present 

CAUSES. — This  inflammation  may  exist  in  connection 
with  derangement  of  the  kidneys,  or  be  produced  by 
stone  in  the  bladder.  It  may  also  be  produced  by  cold, 
stimulating  drinks,  gonorrhoea,  mechanical  injuries,  or 
derangement  of  the  womb. 

TREATMENT.* — The  selection  of  the  remedy  must  be 
guided  by  the  cause  of  the  disease.  When  occasioned 
by  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors,  Nux-w.  is  the  appropriate 
remedy.  When  produced  by  the  use  of  Cantharides, 
one  drop  doses  of  Camphor,  given  at  intervals  of  two 
hours,  will  speedily  produce  relief. 

Aconite  is  indicated  during  the  presence  of  fever,  either 

*  For  general  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    BLADDER.  277 

alone,  or  in  alternation  with  some  other  remedy,  espe- 
cially Cannabis,  or  Cantharides. 

Cannabis. — Complete  retention  of  urine,  or  a  desire  to 
urinate,  principally  at  night,  with  burning  pain ;  or  emis- 
sion drop  by  drop  of  bloody  urine. 

Cantharides. — Emission  of  urine,  drop  by  drop,  with 
shooting,  burning  pains,  or  violent  and  ineffectual  desire 
to  urinate ;  extreme  sensitiveness  of  the  region  of  the 
bladder  to  the  touch.  In  alternation  with  Aconite  or 
Cannabis. 

Digitalis. — When  the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  prin- 
cipally affected,  and  where  there  is  constrictive  pain  and 
retention,  or  painful  desire  to  urinate,  with  emission  of 
only  a  few  drops. 

Dulcamara. — Particularly  in  chronic  cases,  aggravated 
or  brought  on  by  slight  cold,  or  where  the  urine  deposits 
a  slimy  sediment. 

Nux-vom. — Is  of  decided  benefit  when  the  trouble 
has  been  occasioned  by  a  free  use  of  spirituous  liquors  ; 
also  where  it  can  be  traced  to  suppressed  haemorrhoids 
or  dyspepsy. 

Hyosciamus  may  be  given,  where  there  are  spasms  of 
the  bladder,  three  drops  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  every  half  hour  until  relieved.  Sulphur ', 
Thv/ja,  Terebinth,  and  Copaiba  may  also  be  consulted. 
See  Nephritis,  also  Symptomatic  Index. 

Pulsatilla — Is  of  benefit  in  lymphatic  temperaments, 
where  it  arises  from  suppressed  menstruation,  and  also 
when  there  is  scanty  emission  of  bloody  and  slimy 
urine,  burning  and  cutting  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
bowels,  with  external  heat. 

The  application  over  the  painful  part  of  the  wet  ban- 
dage will  also  prove  decided  benefit. 

ADMINITRATION. — Where  the  inflammation  is  intense, 
and  the  sufferings  severe,  the  remedy  prepared  as  directed 
in  Nephritis  may  be  given  every  hour,  gradually  increas- 


278  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

ing  the  intervals  as  the  symptoms  abate,  to  two  or  three 
hours. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — As  in  fevers.  Avoiding  particu- 
larly wines,  liquors,  and  all  kind  of  stimulating  and 
heating  drinks. 

SUPPRESSION,  AND  RETENTION   OF  URINE. 

Suppression  and  retention  of  urine  although  frequently 
producing  similar  symptoms  are  entirely  unlike. 

In  suppression  of  urine  there  is  no  secretion  of  urine, 
the  secreting  function  of  the  kidneys  being  for  the  time 
either  partially,  or  entirely  destroyed.  This  variety  is 
attended  with  considerable  danger,  the  brain  being  ex- 
ceedingly liable  to  become  diseased,  and  if  the  suppres- 
sion be  total,  serious  cerebral  difficulty  generally  sets  in, 
in  the  form  of  delirium,  succeeded  by  coma  and  effusion. 
In  these  cases  the  saliva,  sweat,  and  water  effused  qji  the 
brain,  have  a  urinous  smell  and  taste. 

The  suppression  may  arise  from  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys,  when  it  is  attended  with  febrile  symptoms, 
nausea,  vomiting  pain  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  ten- 
derness of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch,  frequent  desire  to 
urinate,  but  if  any  is  secreted,  it  passes  in  small  quanti- 
ties, and  is  accompanied  with  severe  pain  ;  or  it  may  be 
occasioned  by  the  presence  of  gravel  or  calculi  in  the 
kidneys,  giving  rise  by  their  irritation  to  inflammation, 
when  the  symptoms  are  similar  to  those  described  above. 
Sometimes  it  may  depend  on  paralysis  of  the  kidneys, 
when  there  may  be  no  desire  to  urinate,  an  absence  of 
pain  and  febrile  symptoms,  but  the  unpleasant  cerebral 
symptoms  set  in  none  the  less  rapidly/ 

In  retention,  of  urine ^  the  urine  is  secreted  as  usual, 
but  from  some  cause,  such  as  the  presence  of  stone  in 
the  bladder,  inflammation  or  stricture  of  the  urethra, 
paralysis  of  the  bladder,  enlargement  of  the  prostrate 
gland  or  the  presence  of  tumors,  it  is  prevented  from 


SUPPRESSION,   AND    RETENTION   OF   URINE.  279 

passing  out.  The  symptoms  of  course  are  exceedingly 
varied  according  to  the  cause  of  the  disease.  There  is 
distension  of  the  bladder,  which  can  be  distinctly  felt, 
elevated  above  the  pubis, — and  by  this  symptom  alone 
the  difficulty  may  be  distinguished  from  suppression  of 
urine, — pain  in  the  region  of  the  bladder,  and  constant 
but  ineffectual  desire  to  urinate,  attended  with  severe 
pain,  except  in  cases  of  paralysis,  where  there  is  an 
absence  of  febrile  symptoms  and  pain.  This  difficulty 
seldom  exists  alone,  but  generally  in  connection  with 
some  other  disease.  If  not  relieved,  the  bladder  may 
become  so  distended  as  to  be  ruptured,  discharging  the 
urine  into  the  bowels,  causing  gangrene,  and  resulting 
in  death. 

TREATMENT.— The  use  of  the  catheter  may  be  fre- 
quently required,  but  as  this  should  be  used  by  the 
practiced  hand  of  the  physician,  it  will  be  unnecessary 
to  speak  of  it  here.  The  cause  of  the  disease  should  be 
ascertained  as  nearly  as  possible;  whether  the  result  of 
stricture,  of  inflammation,  of  mechanical  injury,  of 
paralysis  or  gravel. 

External  application,  such  as,  warm  baths,  poultices, 
warm  cloths,  or  if  much  heat  is  present,  cold  water  will 
be  found  not  only  in  this  complaint,  but  in  Cystitis  and 
Nephritis,  valuable  auxiliaries.  See  also  wet-bandage. 
The  prominent  remedies  are:  Canth.,  Cann.,  Aeon.,  Sell,, 
Rhus,  Nux-w.,  Terebinth,  Ars.,  Asparagus,  Arnica. 

Where  in  inflammation  of  the  kidneys  or  bladder  there 
is  considerable  fever :  Aconite  is  indicated  and  may  be 
followed  after  the  fever  abates,  by  Cantharides  and 
Cannabis,  one  or  two  hours  apart. 

Where  it  is  occasioned  by  mechanical  injury,  or  the 
irritation  of  calculi,  Arnica  is  the  proper  remedy. 

When  produced  by  metastases  of  gout  or  rheumatism, 
Ithus  or  Belladonna  may  be  given,  if  accompanied  with 
much  fever,  in  alternation  with  Aconite. 


280  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

When  the  result  of  paralysis,  Nux-v.,  Arsenic^  Tere* 
I  hit /i. 

Spasmodic  retention  may  be  relieved  by  Camphor^ 
Belladonna^  or  Aconite.  See  also  Urinary  Calculi. 

The  treatment  as  a  general  thing  should  commence 
with  Camphor  or  Aconite.  These  remedies  will  often 
produce  entire  relief.  If  however  after  four  or  five  doses 
have  been  given  no  relief  has  been  obtained  select 
another  remedy. 

Opium  is  of  great  benefit  in.  the  aged. 

Camphor  two  or  three  drops  given  every  half  hour 
will  be  of  great  benefit,  especially  in  children. 

ADMINISTRATION. — Three  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in 
a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a 
powder,  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue.  In  severe  cases 
a  dose  may  be  given  every  half  hour,  increasing  the 
intervals  as  relief  is  obtained,  to  two  or  three  hours. 

URINARY    CALCULI. 

In  the  investigation  of  this  disease  particular  attention 
should  be  directed  to  the  urine,  as  its  color,  smell  and 
sediment  will  afford  a  pretty  correct  guide  to  the 
character  of  the  calculi. 

The  lithic  urine  lays  the  foundation  for  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  calculi  which  are  formed  in  the  bladder 
or  other  parts  of  the  urinary  organs.  It  is  characterized 
by  the  spontaneous  deposition  of  lithic  acid,  constituting 
the  principal  part  of  what  is  generally  termed  the  sand, 
or  brick-diMt  sediment  of  urine. 

Next  in  frequency  to  tBe  variety  just  mentioned,  .are 
those  composed  of  a  combination  of  Phosphoric-acid, 
Mngwsia  and  Ammonia.  The  urine  is  fetid  and  the 
sediment  deposited  of  a  white  color,  resembling  mortar. 

Another  variety,  less  frequent,  however,  than  either  of 
the  above,  is  the  ///  ////><  rry  calculus.  It  is  of  a  dark 
brown  color  and  is  very  heavy  and  hard.  There  are 


URINARY    CALCULI.  281 


several  other  varieties  of  calculi,  varying  in  appearance 
and  in  chemical  combination,  but  it  will  be  unnecessary 
to  particularize  here. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  this  disease  is  more  gene- 
rally found  in  the  male  than  in  the  female  sex,  and  is 
principally  confined  to  youth  and  old  age,  and  is  seldom 
if  ever  seen  either  in  the  frigid  or  the  torrid  zones.  It 
is  especially  liable  to  attack  those  in  whom  there  is  any 
hereditary  tendency  to  gout. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  urine,  as  a  general  thing,  shows  some 
kind  of  sediment,  and  there  may  also  be  frequent  desire 
to  urinate.  Often  no  pain  is  felt  for  some  time,  unless 
after  severe  physical  exertion.  An  attack  may  come  on 
suddenly,  in  which  the  stone,  if  situated  in  the  kidneys, 
may  pass  into  the  bladder.  The  pain  is  of  the  most 
intense  and  violent  character,  the  urine  high  colored,  or 
mixed  with  blood.  Where  the  stone  is  already  in  the 
dladder,  the  symptoms  are  varied.  There  may  be 
stoppage  of  water,  great  heaviness  about  the  region  of 
the  bladder  and  general  uneasiness. 

TREATMENT. — One  great  object  must  be  to  prevent  if 
possible,  the  formation  of  Calculi,  by  correcting  those 
secretions  on  which  the  morbid  sediments  depend.  After 
the  stone  is  already  formed,  the  physician  must  either 
dissolve  it  by  means  of  medicines  administered  internally, 
or  remove  it  by  an  operation.  Among  some  of  the  pro- 
minent causes  of  this  disease,  we  may  mention  derange- 
ment of  the  digestive  organs,  from  errors  in  diet,  abuse 
of  spirituous  liquors,  &c.,  lime  water,  mental  and  bodily 
fatigue,  and  tendency  to  gout  and  rheumatism.  A  sea 
voyage  to  either  a  hot  or  cold  climate,  will  often  produce 
entire  relief.  In  all  cases,  a  plain  and  simple  diet,  and 
a  cheerful  temperament,  are  of  the  utmost  importance. 

In  the  lithic  acid  diathesis,  baths  and  friction  should 
be  freely  used,  every  thing  of  an  acid  nature  avoided, 
and  animal  food  form  a  principle  article  of  diet. 


282      AFFECTION    OF   THE    URINARY    AND    GENITAL    ORGANS. 

The  pfrosphatic  diathesis  requires,  on  the  contrary,  a 
vegetable  diet,  and  the  free  use  of  acids  and  fruits. 

The  prominent  remedies  are,  Cannabis,  Cantharis, 
Nux-vomica,  Lycopodium,  SarsapariUa^  Calcwrea,  Phos- 
phoi'us  and  Asparagus. 

CannaJbis  and  Cantharis,  during  a  paroxysm  of  pain 
from  the  gravel,  are  prominent  remedies.  There  is  a 
burning,  scalding,  and  painful  sensation  when  making 
water,  as  well  as  after;  the  urine  is  sometimes  slimy  or 
bloody,  and  violent  pain  may  also  be  felt  in  the  region 
of  the  kidneys  and  bladder. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  of  the  remedy,  may  be  dissolved  in  a  tumbler 
half  full  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  given  in  alternation,  during 
the  paroxysm,  half  an  hour  apart.  The  external  application  of 
warmth,  during  the  severe  paroxysm,  will  frequently  aid  in  pro- 
ducing relief. 

Nux-vomica  will  be  found  highly  advantageous,  when 
the  disease  originates  in  errors  of  diet,  abuse  of  sti- 
mulants, and  chronic  derangement  of  the  digestive 
organs,  also  where  are  acute  and  spasmodic  pains. 

DOSE. — If  the  paroxysm  is  severe,  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  may 
be  taken  once  an  hour,  but  as  a  general  thing,  once  every  twelve  or 
twenty-four  hours,  will  be  all  that  is  necessary. 

Lycopodium  is  especially  useful  in  persons  of  o 
lymphatic  temperament,  and  those  who  have  been 
troubled  with  affections  of  the  mucous  membrane.  The 
pain  is  principally  in  the  urethra,  and  is  of  a  burning, 
smarting  character,  during  the  passage  of  water.  The 
urine  is  fetid,  is  of  a  dark  red  color,  and  deposits  a  red 
or  yellowish  sediment. 

DOSE — Same  as  Nux. 

'••area  is  useful  where  the  affection  is  developed  in 
scrofulous  children.  The  pain  in  the  urinary  organs, 
and  the  desire  to  pass  water,  are  worse  during  the  night ; 
the  urine  is  fetid,  and  dcposites  a  white  sediment. 

DOSE. — Until  four  powders  have  been  taken,  a  powder,  or  six 
globules,  every  twelve  hours,  after  this,  onre  in  twenty-four  hours. 

Phosphorus. — This    remedy    will    be    found    highly 


DIABETES.  283 

advantageous  in  old  and  debilitated  subjects,  and  where 
there  is  great  prostration  of  strength,  also  where  the 
patient  has  no  control  over  the  urinary  organs,  and  where 
the  urine  has  a  strong  smell  of  ammonia,  and  deposits  a 
whitish,  or  brick-dust  sediment. 

DOSE.— A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  taken  every  twenty-four 
hours. 

A  sparagus  is  a  valuable  remedy  where  there  is  a  fetid 
smell  to  the  urine,  depositing  a  whitish  sediment;  fre- 
quent desire  to  urinate,  pain  on  passing  water,  and  cut- 
ting pain  in  the  urethra  and  kidneys. 

DOSE. — Three  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  may  be  mixed  in  a  tumbler 
of  water,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  once  in  twelve  hours. 

DIABETES. 

In  this  disease,  there  is  an  increased  flow  of  straw- 
colored  urine,  of  a  sweetish  taste;  or  not  an  unusual 
secretion  of  urine,  but  what  there  is,  strongly  charged 
with  saccharine  matter.  The  disease  may  continue  for 
months,  or  years,  and  in  many  cases,  terminate  at  length 
in  death. 

As  the  disease  progresses,  derangement  of  the  digestive 
organs  is  perceptible,  and  the  memory  becomes  impaired ; 
there  is  great  emaciation,  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
and  dropsical  effusion. 

TREATMENT. — Vegetables  should  be  carefully  avoided, 
and  a  nutritious  diet  enjoined  of  animal  food.  The 
external  application  of  water,  in  the  form  of  the  sponge- 
bath,  or  wet-sheet,  is  highly  advantageous. 

Kali-carl). — Will  be  found  of  benefit  when  there  are 
jerking  pains  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  especially  on 
sitting  down;  frequent  and  violent  desire  to  urinate; -pale 
greenish  urine  ;  cold  feeling  in  the  bowels ;  burning  heat 
in  the  stomach ;  ulcerated  gums,  and  great  thirst. 

DOSE. — Give  a  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning,  noon  and 
night  until  a  change. 

Muriatic-aoid — Is  an  important  remedy  where  there 


284  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

is  an  absence  of  thirst  and  also  when  the  urine  has  a 
milky  appearance. 

DOSE. — Mix  three  drops  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water  and  give  a 
tablespoonful  four  times  a  day. 

Mercurius.  Constant  desire  to  urinate ;  swollen,  moist 
and  painful  prepuce ;  pain  in  the  testicles ;  swelling  of 
the  gums  and  fetid  breath;  acid  eructations  and  burning 
in  the  stomach. 

DOSE. — Give  a  powder  every  two  hours. 

The  patient  should  place  himself  under  the  care  of  a 
judicious  physician  without  delay.  The  prominent 
internal  remedies  are  Phos.-acid,  Carb.-veg.)  Muriatic- 
acid,  Conium,  and  Nux-vom. 

E  N  U  R  E  S  I  S. 

Incontinence  of   Urine. 

This  may  be  occasioned  by  a  weakness  of  the  muscles 
concerned,  or  a  partial  or  entire  paralysis.  In  the  latter 
case,  the  bladder  is  unable  to  retain  for  a  moment  the 
urine  secreted,  which  constantly  dribbles  away,  drop  by 
drop,  very  much  to  the  annoyance  of  the  patient.  Where 
there  is  merely  a  weakness,  or  partial  paralysis,  it  gives 
rise  to  that  difficulty  so  common  among  children,  wetting 
the  bed. 

TREATMENT. — Where  enuresis  is  occasioned  by  either 
partial  or  entire  paralysis  of  the  muscles,  the  application 
of  electricity  along  the  lower  portion  of  the  spine,  and 
over  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  will  be  found  beneficial. 
The  prominent  internal  remedies  are,  Hyoeoiamu9t 
Causticum,  and  Conium.  The  sitz-bath  will  also  be  of 
service. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  morning  and  night 

Enuresis  in  children,  in  the  form  of  wetting  the  bed, 
may  arise  from  some  other  difficulty,  such  as  worms. 
The  cause  should  be  ascertained  as  nearly  as  possible, 
before  any  treatment  is  adopted. 


GONORRHCEA.  285 


When  there  is  a  peculiarly  strong  and  horse-like  smell 
about  the  urine,  a  powder  of  Benzoic-acid  may  be  taken 
every  night. 

Cantharides  may  be  found  of  benefit,  one  drop,  or  six 
globules,  given  every  evening  for  three  nights,  stopping 
it  immediately  should  there  be  pain  in  passing  water. 
If  after  a  week  no  change  is  apparent,  a  powder,  or  six 
globules  of  Silioea^  may  be  given  every  second  night, 
until  six  doses  have  been  taken,  when  if  no  improvement 
is  perceptible,  Sepia  and  Carb-veg.,  may  be  given  in  the 
same  manner. 

SEMINAL  EMISSIONS. 
These  frequently  occur  in  the  young,  just  after  reach- 
ing the  age  of  puberty,  and  are  generally  occasioned  by 
a  morbid  imagination,  combined  perhaps,  with  irre- 
gularity of  habits,  and  errors  of  diet.  The  patient  should 
strive  to  live  more  in  obedience  to  nature,  and  cultivate 
a  healthy  frame  of  mind.  The  external  application  of 
the  sponge-bath  will  be  found  beneficial.  Three  globules 
of  Phos.-acid  may  be  given  every  other  night. 

GONORRHOEA. 

By  gonorrhoBa  is  understand  an  inflammation  of  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  urethra,  with  a  discharge  of 
purulent  mucus.  In  from  two  to  four  days  after  an 
impure  connection,  a  tingling  or  itching  sensation  is  felt 
at  the  orifice  of  the  urethra,  especially  when  urinating. 
Soon  the  lips  of  the  urethra  become  red  and  swollen, 
the  inflammation  extending  an  inch  or  two  up  the 
urethra;  the  emission  of  urine  is  attended  with  a  scald- 
ing, burning  pain,  more  or  less  severe.  A  discharge 
takes  place  at  first  of  a  mucous  character,  but  if  the 
inflammation  increases,  changes  to  a  yellow  or  greenish 
color,  and  if  exceedingly  violent,  may  assume  a  bloody 
character.  Erections,  or  cordee,  of  an  exceedingly  painful 
character,  frequently  come  on  at  night. 


286  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

After  a  longer  or  shorter  time,  as  the  symptoms  are 
more  or  less  severe,  the  inflammation  subsides,  leaving  a 
troublesome  discharge.  A  gonorrhoeal  discharge  may 
not  necessarily  be  the  result  of  an  impure  connection- 
New  wine,  unfermented  beer,  stimulating  spices,  a  cold, 
frequent  exposure  of  the  organs  to  the  wind  while  urinat- 
ing, cause  a  gonorrhoeal  discharge  which  runs  the  same 
course,  and  is  similar  to  genuine  gonorrhoea. 

Persons  with  large  penis,  wide  urethra,  long  and  nar- 
row prepuce  are  much  the  most  easily  affected.  Exces- 
sive sexual  indulgence  long  continued,  or  connection 
when  the  female  is  troubled  with  an  acrid  leucorrhea 
may  produce  gonorrheal  discharge. 

In  all  cases  where  danger  is  apprehended,  the  penis 
should  be  thoroughly  washed  with  cold  water,  and  the 
urine  voided  immediately  after  connection. 

In  this  way  the  matter  is  washed  from  the  penis  be- 
fore it  can  be  absorbed,  and  if  any  has  passed  into  the 
urethra,  it  is  washed  out  by  the  discharge  of  urine. 

TREATMENT. — Quiet,  a  plain  and  non-stimulating  diet, 
and  an  absence  of  ardent  spirits  of  very  kind,  are  of 
great  importance.  During  the  inflammatory  period, 
characterized  by  burning,  scalding  pain,  on  the  emission 
of  urine,  copious  discharge,  &c.  Cannabis  and  Cantha/ridts 
are  the  proper  remedies.  One  drop  of  each  may  be  given 
in  alternation,  four  hours  apart,  until  the  inflammatory 
symptoms  have  in  a  measure  subsided,  when  Mercury 
and  Sulphur  may  be  substituted  and  administered,  a 
powder  on  the  tongue,  at  the  same  intervals.  Mercury 
is  more  particularly  indicated,  when  the  discharge  is  of 
a  greenish  character,  and  Sulphur  where  it  presents  a 
whitish  or  serous  appearance. 

Before  the  inflammatory  stage  has  fairly  commenced, 
and  where  there  is  tingling  and  itching  about  the  ure- 
thra, with  slight  discharge,  Copavva  is  the  best  remedy 
with  which  we  are  acquainted.  Also  after  the  inflam- 


SYPHILIS.  287 

matory  symptoms  have  subsided,  the  water  being 
voided  with  but  little  pain,  Copaiva  is  still  a  valuable 
remedy.  It  may  be  given,  a  powder  of  the  one- 
tenth,  four  times  a  day,  or  what  is  still  better,  one 
of  the  Copaiva  Capsules,  obtained  at  the  druggists,  may 
be  taken  morning,  noon,  and  night.  This  drug  some- 
times produces  a  change  of  the  disease  to  the  testicles 
which  become  swollen  and  painful.  In  this  case  the 
Copaiva  should  be  discontinued,  Arnica  and  water 
applied  to  the  testicle  and  Aconite  and  Pulsatilla  taken 
internally  two  hours  apart.  If,  notwithstanding  the 
use  of  the  Copaiva  for  several  days,  the  discharge 
still  continues  unabated,  give  internally  Mercurius  or 
Sulphur,  and  use  an  injection,  composed  of  one  grain 
SUlphate-Zinc  to  one  tablespoonful  of  water,  or  one  part 
of  -BoZs.-Gopaiva  to  three  parts  of  Mucilage  Gum 
j&abic. 

In  using  the  injection,  the  finger  should  be  pressed  on 
the  urethra,  about  one  inch  and  a  half  from  the  orifice 
so  that  merely  the  end  of  the  urethra,  which  is  the  part 
affected,  may  be  touched  by  the  injection. 

In  gonorrhosa  in  females,  the  treatment  is  the  same  as 
described  above.  See  also  leucorrhcea. 

When  the  disease  is  allowed  to  run  on  for  several 
weeks,  it  becomes  chronic,  and  is  called  "Gleet"  There 
is  no  pain,  but  a  slight  discharge.  The  prominent  reme- 
dies are,  /Sulphur,  Mercury,  Capsicum,  Nit.-ac.,  or  Thuja. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  taken  on  the  tongue  ; 
or  twso  drops  mixed  with  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  a  tablespoonful 
at  a  dose.  Give  every  night  for  a  week,  when  if  not  better,  another 
remedy  may  be  selected. 

SYPHILIS. 

This  disease  may  remain  lurking  in  the  system  for 
years,  be  transmitted  from  parent  to  child,  and  lay  tne 
foundation  for  diseases  ending  in  deformity,  misery  and 
death.  It  will  only  be  necessary  here  to  give  some  of 


288  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

the  prominent  indications,  as  after  it  has  passed  the  pri- 
mary stage,  it  frequently  becomes  complicated  with  a 
variety  of  diseases,  and  requires  all  the  skill  of  the  prac- 
ticed physician  to  detect  the  cause  and  apply  the  appro- 
priate remedy. 

DIAGNOSIS. — All  sores  on  the  penis  are  not  by  any  means 
syphilitic,  but  the  primary  chancre  or  syphilitic  sore 
usually  presents  itself  on  some  part  of  the  end  of  the 
penis,  in  from  three  to  eight  days  after  infection,  in  the 
form  of  a  red  and  slightly  itching  pimple.  In  a  short 
time  matter  forms  in  the  centre  of  the  pimple,  arid  a 
deep  ulcer  with  ragged  edges,  and  yellowish  surface  is 
gradually  formed.  This  ulcer  may  be  slight  and  super- 
ficial, or  perhaps  deep  and  rapidly  spreading,  attended 
with  severe  pain,  and  rapidly  destroying  the  adjacent 
parts.  The  most  simple  form,  by  bad  treatment,  such 
as  the  administration  of  Mercury  in  large  and  repeated 
doses,  may  be  changed  into  sores  of  the  most  violent 
character,  and  the  poison  scattered  over  the  system,  pro- 
ducing the  most  fearful  consequences.  In  connection 
with  the  chancre,  swelling  in  the  groin  or  bubo  may  set 
in,  sometimes  ending  in  ulceration. 

Where  the  disease  is  not  checked  in  the  primary  stage, 
the  poison  may  become  diffused  through  the  system,  giv- 
ing rise  to  secondary  and  kr/fa/'t/  symptoms.  The  throat 
may  become  deeply  ulcerated,  the  voice  and  nose  de- 
stroyed, and  deep  and  loathsome  sores  form  in  different 
parts  of  the  body.  A  copper-colored  eruption  also  may 
be  developed  on  the  skin,  generally  commencing  on  the 
face  and  hands.  Another  terrible  result  of  neglected 
syphilis  is  an  affection  of  the  bones  and  their  periosteal 
covering.  The  covering  of  the  bones  become  swollen, 
and  if  the  disease  is  allowed  to  run  on,  osseous  deposits 
form  beneath  it,  producing  the  venereal  node.  These 
generally  exist  on  the  head  and  the  bones  of  the  leg. 
The  pain  where  the  bones  and  their  covering  are  affect- 


SYPHILIS.  289 


ed,  is  often  agonizing,  generally  coming  on  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  afternoon,  and  continuing  until  midnight. 

TREATMENT. — It  is  highly  important  in  this  disease  that 
a  careful  physician  be  consulted  as  soon  as  possible,  as 
neglect  or  injudicious  treatment  may  be  attended  with 
the  most  unpleasant  symptoms.  Syphilitic  taint  may,  as 
we  have  before  remarked,  lurk  in  the  system  for  years, 
laying  the  foundation  of  various  diseases,  which  require 
the  closest  scrutiny  on  the  part  of  the  physician  to  detect 
the  real  cause.  It  may  also  be  transmitted  from  parent 
to  child,  developing  in  the  young  frame  diseases  which 
fill  the  body  with  pain  and  end  in  deformity  and  death. 
Hence  the  vast  importance  of  eradicating  the  disease 
thoroughly  from  the  system. 

The  almost  specific  remedy  for  primary  chancre  is 
Mercury-sol.  This  should  be  given  a  powder  of  the  first 
or  third  trituration,  morning  and  night  for  eight  or  ten 
days,  when,  if  improvement  is  perceptible,  the  intervals 
may  be  gradually  increased. 

Should  however  but  little  improvement  take  place, 
and  other  remedies  be  required,  it  may  be  followed  by 
Nit-ac.,  two  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful 
•et  a  dose.  The  ulcer  should  be  kept  clean  by  lint 
moistened  in  cold  water,  and  where  nitric-acid  is  used 
internally,  the  lint  may  be  kept  moistened  with  the  same 
preparation.  Where  ulcers  are  developed  in  the  throat, 
Mercury  is  still  the  appropriate  remedy,  given  as  before 
mentioned,  but  if  after  five  or  six  doses  no  improvement 
is  perceptible,  it  should  be  followed  \yyNit.-uc.,  one  drop 
in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  given  three 
times  a  day. 

The  eruption,  pain  in  the  bones,  ulceration  of  the 
throat  and  nose,  and  other  secondary  symptoms  can 
generally  be  controlled  by  Mercury,  Nit.-uo.,  Thuja, 
given  as  above  directed, 

13 


290  AFFECTION  OF  THE  URINARY  AND  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TESTES. 

We  not  unfrequently  see  in  mumps  and  in  gonorrhoea 
a  metastasis  of  the  disease  to  the  testes.  The  swelling 
comes  on  suddenly  and  is  attended  with  severe  pain. 

When  the  swelling  arises  from  an  external  injury 
Arnica  will  produce  relief.  Aconite  is  indicated  where 
there  is  heat  and  pain,  in  alternation  with  either  Mur- 
curius,  Nux-v.,  or  Puisatilla. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  drops,  in  a  glass  half  lull  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  three  hours.  Apply  a  compress  wet  with  cold 
water,  or  Arnica  and  water. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  GLANS  PENIS. 
The  glans  penis  sometimes  becomes  inflamed  where 
there  is  no  trouble  about  the  urethra.  It  may  be  pro- 
duced by  handling  poisonous  plants,  from  mechanical 
injuries,  and  from  a  variety  of  causes.  Where  there  is  a 
burning  heat  and  redness,  Aconite  may  be  alternated  with 
Rhus.  Arnica  will  prove  of  benefit  in  case  of  mechanical 
injury.  Where  there  is  superficial  ulceration  Nitric-acid 
may  be  given  internally,  and  the  same  mixture  applied 
externally  on  lint. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  every  four  hours. 


GENERAL   AFFECTIONS.  291 

yf 

CHAPTER   X. 

GENERAL    AFFECTIONS 
RHEUMATISM. 

This  exceedingly  painful  disease  is  quite  common  in 
our  ever-changing  climate,  and  is  alike  the  dread  of  the 
physician  and  patient,  especially  when  developed  in  those 
in  whom  there  is  a  hereditary  predisposition  to  this  kind 
of  affection.  Its  constant  liability  to  change  from  one 
part  of  the  system  to  another,  and  even  to  attack  some 
vital  organ,  renders  it  not  only  excessively  painful,  but 
highly  annoying  under  any  form  of  treatment.  Not- 
withstanding Homoeopathy  has  shorn  it  of  half  its  ter- 
rors, and  abolished  from  the  sick-room  the  painful  and 
disgusting  treatment  so  much  in  vogue  in  the  allopathic 
school,  yet  under  any  treatment  it  is  a  disease  to  be 
dreaded,  and  one  in  which  in  violent  cases  we  cannot 
always  with  certainty  predict  a  speedy  recovery. 

Rheumatism  is  essentially  an  inflammation  of  the 
fibrous  tissue, — sometimes  however  involving,  as  the  dis- 
ease extends,  other  tissues, — and  most  commonly  seizes 
the  fibrous  parts,  which  lie  around  the  joints,  particularly 
the  larger  joints,  althdtigh  the  inflammation  frequently 
commences  in  the  head,  neck,  chest,  or  arms,  and  extends 
to  other  parts  of  the  body.  So  long  as  it  is  confined  to 
the  extremities,  the  pain  may  be  excessive,  deformity 
may  ensue,  but  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the 
symptoms  but  little  danger  to  life  is  apprehended. 
Should  however  the  disease  strike  some  vital  organ  the 
danger  is  imminent. 

DIAGNOSIS. — In  acute  rfeumatism,  languor,  slight  chills 
and  general  uneasiness  are  followed  by  swelling  of  some 
part  of  the  system,  accompanied  with  pain,  heat,  and  ge- 
nerally more  or  less  redness.  The  pains  are  exceedingly 


292  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

variable  in  character,  sharp,  lancinating,  dull  and  throb- 
bing, or  numb  aching,  gnawing,  or  boring,  aggravated 
by  the  slightest  movement.  The  weight  of  the  bed 
clothes  is  sometimes  oppressive,  and  it  is  impossible  to 
move  the  joints.  The  fever  is  high,  pulse  bounding  and 
full,  face  flushed,  the  head  aches,  the  urine  is  high- 
colored,  turbid,  acid,  and  sedimentious,  and  the  patient 
is  frequently  drenched  in  sour-smelling  perspiration. 
The  tongue  is  red  at  the  tip  and  edges,  but  the  centre 
of  it  is  covered  with  a  whitish  fur. 

Acute  rheumatism  generally  occurs  between  the  age 
of  fifteen  and  forty,  although  it  is  sometimes  seen  in 
children  as  early  as  three  or  four. 

Chronic  rheumatism  differs  materially  from  the  acute 
form  in  the  absence  of  fever,  in  the  little  or  no  con- 
stitutional disturbance,  and  in  the  pain  being  far  less 
severe.  In  one  from  there  is  some  heat  and  pain,  and 
sometimes  swelling  of  the  joints.  The  pain  is  increased 
by  pressure,  motion,  or  warmth,  but  the  appetite  is  good. 
In  the  other  form  there  is  a  sense  of  coldness  and  stiff- 
ness in  the  painful  joints. 

CAUSES. — Exposure  to  wet,  cold,  damp  or  changeable 
temperature,  and  sudden  suppression  of  perspiration  are 
the  prominent  causes. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  acute  form  where  there  is  con- 
siderable swelling,  heat  and  pain,  frequently  bathe  the 
part  affected  with  tepid  water  or  with  a  mixture  compos- 
ed of  ten  drops  of  Arnica  to  six  tablespoonfuls  of  water. 
If  cold  water  is  applied,  see  "wet  bandage" 

Aconite  will  be  of  advantage,  where  there  is  a  dry 
skin,  violent  fever,  thirst,  redness  of  the  cheeks,  shooting, 
tearing  pains,  worse  at  night. 

DOSE. — Put  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  of 
water,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours,  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms.  It  is  frequently  indicated  in  alternation 
with  Bell.,  Rhux  or  Bry.  when  the  remedies  may  be  given  either  one 
or  two  hours  apart. 


RHEUMATISM.  293 


Belladonna. — Violent  fever,  congestion  in  the  head, 
redness  of  the  face  and  eyes ;  swelling  with  shining  red- 
ness, shooting,  burning  pains,  aggravated  at  night  or  by 
movement.  Particularly  indicated  when  the  difficulty 
is  felt  in  the  upper  extremities.  It  is  often  especially 
useful  either  after  or  in  alternation  with  Aeon,  or  Puls. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Bryonia. — Tearing,  shooting  pains  on  moving  the 
parts,  or  pain  flying  about  from  one  part  to  another ;  red 
and  shining  swelling ;  pains  worse  at  night,  or  increased 
by  the  least  movement ;  coldness  and  shivering  or  febrile 
heat,  headache,  bilious  or  gastric  sufferings,  stitching 
pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  and  pulsative  headache. 
Frequently  indicated  after  or  in  alternation  with  Aeon. 
or  RJius. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Rlius. — Drawing,  tensive  and  dragging,  or  wrenching, 
gnawing  and  boring  pain ;  paralytic  weakness  and  ting- 
ling in  the  affected  parts ;  red  and  shining  swelling ; 
pains  worse  at  night,  during  rest  or  in  changeable  weather. 
Frequently  indicated  after  or  in  alternation  with  Am. 
or  Bry. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Pulsatilla. — Pains  passing  rapidly  from  one  part  to 
another;  drawing,  tearing,  or  jerking  pains,  worse  at 
night,  in  a  warm  room  or  on  altering  a  position,  sen- 
sation of  paralysis  in  the  parts  affected,  feeling  of  cold- 
ness on  a  change  of  weather ;  pain  relieved  by  uncover- 
ing the  limb  to  the  open  air. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Colchicum. — An  important  remedy  both  in  acute  and 
chronic  rheumatism.  There  are  lancinating,  jerking  or 
tearing  pains,  worse  at  night,  and  aggravated  by  motion 
or  anxiety ;  or  there  may  be  only  stiffness  in  the  joints 
when  attempting  to  walk,  with  swelling  of  the  parts  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  inflammation. 


294:  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 


DOSK. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of 
water  ;  in  acute  cases  a  teaspoonful  every  two  or  three  hours,  but  in 
chronic  cases,  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

Chamomilla. — Dragging,  tearing  pains  with  a  sensa- 
tion of  numbness  or  paralysis  in  the  parts  affected ;  pains 
worse  at  night ;  fever  with  burning  or  partial  heat,  pre- 
ceded by  shuddering ;  great  agitation  and  tossing,  with 
shivering  and  a  desire  to  remain  lying  down.  Dragging 
and  rheumatic  pains  in  the  extremities,  worse  at  night ; 
aching  pains  on  waking. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoon  ful  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Mercurius. — Pains  of  a  shooting,  tearing  or  burning 
character,  aggravated  by  the  warmth  of  the  bed  and  by 
cold  or  damp  air,  and  worse  towards  morning ;  swelling 
and  sometimes  a  sensation  of  coldness  in  the  parts  affect- 
ed ;  profuse  perspiration,  but  without  producing  relief. 
The  pains  principally  affected  the  joints  and  bones. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue,  once  in  three  or 
four  hours. 

JVux-v. — Sensation  of  torpor  and  numbness  in  the 
parts  affected,  with  cramps  and  palpitation  in  the  mus- 
cles, sensitiveness  to  cold,  constipation  and  gastric  suffer- 
ings. The  pains  also  may  be  of  a  tensive  or  drawing 
character,  and  be  particularly  confined  to  the  chest,  loins, 
and  back. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Arnica — will  be  of  benefit  given  internally  and  also 
as  an  external  application,  when  the  joints  feel  as  if 
bruised ;  hard,  red  and  shining  swelling ;  a  crawling 
sensation  and  feeling  as  if  paralysed ;  pains  increased  by 
motion. 

It  is  frequently  advisable  to  alternate  in  with  Cham. 

DOSE. — Three  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  glass  half  full  ol 
water,  a  tablespoonful  every  three  hours. 

Rhododendron. — Pains  worse  during  repose,  and  aggra- 
vated by  rough  or  damp  weather. 


RHEUMATISM.  295 


Dulcamara. — Rheumatism  following  a  severe  attack 
of  cold,  and  manifesting  itself  at  night  or  during  repose, 
and  unattended  with  fever. 

Causticum. — Insupportable  pains  in  the  open  air,  re- 
lieved in  bed  or  in  the  warmth  of  a  room ;  or  paralytic 
weakness  or  rigidity  of  the  part  affected. 

Arsenicum. — Burning,  tearing  pains,  worse  at  night, 
aggravated  by  cold  air,  and  relieved  by  heat. 

China. — Pains  increased  by  the  slightest  touch,  with 
perspiration  and  paralytic  weakness  of  the  part  affected. 

Ignatia. — Contused  or  wrenching  pains  as  if  the  flesh 
were  torn  from  the  bones,  worse  at  night,  and  relieved 
by  a  change  of  posture. 

Phosphorus. — Pains  excited  by  the  slightest  chill, 
and  accompanied  with  headache  and  oppression  of  the 
chest. 

Sulphur. — An  exceedingly  valuable  remedy  in  nearly 
all  forms  of  chronic  rheumatism,  and  particularly  useful 
to  rouse  the  system  when  it  has  in  a  measure  lost  its 
susceptibility  to  the  appropriate  remedy. 

DOSE. — Of  the  above  remedies  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  may 
be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  lablespoonful  given  at  a  dose ; 
or  a  powder,  or  six  globules,  may  be  taken  on  the  tongue.  Give 
once  in  three,  four,  or  six  hours. 

Nitric-acid  has  been  a  very  successful  remedy  in  my 
own  practice,  both  in  the  acute  and  chronic  forms  of 
rheumatism.  The  prominent  indications  are,  severe 
drawing  and  lacerating  pains  all  over  the  body ;  or  pains 
particularly  affecting  the  joints,  bones,  and  the  upper 
and  lower  limbs.  The  joints  feel  weak  and  bruised,  and 
are  exceedingly  sensitive,  especially  after  exertion.  Pains 
aggravated  by  cold  or  damp  air;  trembling  or  numb  sen- 
sation in  the  limbs. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  of  the  first  dilution  in  four  tablespoonsful  of 
water,  a  tablespoonful  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Where  there  is  much  heat  in  the  affected  part,  the 


296  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 

application  of  a  napkin  wrung  out  in  cold  water  will 
often  produce  relief. 

In  the  chronic  forms  of  rheumatism  lemon  juice  or 
lemonade  may  by  given,  often  with  the  most  happy  re- 
sults. Great  benefit  may  also  be  derived,  especially  in 
chronic  cases,  where  there  is  a  tendency  to  paralysis,  or 
rigidity  of  the  joints,  by  the  proper  application  of  the 
" magnetic  battery"  The  poles  of  the  battery  should  be 
so  applied  that  a  continuous  current  will  pass  through  the 
limb  or  joint  and  also  through  the  muscles  affected  from 
one  end  to  the  other.  Thuja,  Yeratrum,  Carb.-v.,  Lack., 
or  Coloeynth,  may  also  be  indicated  in  certain  varieties 
of  rheumatism. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — When  fever  is  present,  the  diet 
should  be  similar  to  that  in  fevers.  Those  who  are  liable 
to  attacks  of  rheumatism  will  often  find  it  advantageous 
to  wear  next  the  skin,  silk  undershirts  and  drawers 

GOUT. 

Arthritis. 

A  gentlemen  who  had  suffered  intensely,  both  from 
rheumatism  and  gout,  made  quite  an  appropriate  com- 
parison between  the  two.  "  Apply,"  he  says,  a  "  thumb- 
screw to  the  thumb,  and  turn  it  until  the  pain  is  as  severe 
as  can  possibly  be  endured,  and  that  is  rheumatism,. 
Now  give  it  one  more  turn,  and  you  have  gout" 

The  nature  of  the  inflammatory  action,  both  in  gout 
and  rheumatism,  is  undoubtedly  the  same.  An  attack 
of  gout  is  almost  always  preceded,  or  accompanied  by 
gastric  derangement,  and  sometimes  diarrhoea.  The  in- 
flammation may  attack  any  of  the  small  joints,  although 
it  is  generally  situated  in  the  ball  of  the  great  toe.  The 
integuments  are  swollen,  the  pains  severe,  of  a  darting, 
throbbing,  burning  or  aching  character,  increased  by 
contact  and  movement.  The  pains  are  aggravated  at 
aight ;  the  urine  is  passed  in  small  quantities,  is  high- 


PAIN  IN  THE  SMALL  OF  THE  THE  BACK  AND  LOINS.         297 

colored,  and  becomes  turbid  on  standing,  the  patient  is 
exceedingly  restless  and  irritable.  When  the  parox- 
ysms of  gout  are  of  frequent  occurrence,  a  thickening 
of  the  articular  membrane  is  produced,  calcareous  de- 
posits are  formed  about  the  joints,  and  the  disease  is 
liable  to  assume  a  chronic  form. 

The  disease,  as  a  general  thing,  though  not  in  all  cases, 
may  be  looked  upon  as  hereditary.  The  exciting  causes 
are,  high  living,  abuse  of  stimulants,  particularly  wines, 
want  of  sufficient  exercise,  loss  of  rest  and  irregularities 
in  eating.  It  is  generally  confined  to  middle  age,  or 
more  advanced  life. 

TREATMENT. — Those  in  whom  there  is  a  strong  predis- 
position to«the  disease,  should  be  careful  to  avoid  the 
causes  which  are  liable  to  produce  it.  The  treatment 
in  all  its  stages,  is  similar  to  that  indicated  in  rheuma- 
tism. Consult  that  disease. 

PAIN  IN  THE  SMALL  OF  THE  BACK  AND  LOINS. 

Lumbago. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Violent  pain  of  a  rheumatic  character  in 
the  small  of  the  back  and  loins,  either  periodical  or  per- 
manent, and  sometimes  accompanied  with  fever.  It  is 
frequently  produced  by  cold  or  strain,  and  may  come  on 
suddenly,  without  a  moment's  warning,  on  suddenly  ris- 
ing from  a  stooping  posture,  and  cause  the  most  ex- 
cruciating pain  at  every  atteftpt  to  turn,  or  on  the 
slightest  motion.  This  kind  of  rheumatic  pain  often 
affects  the  neck,  producing  what  is  called  Tcink  ox+crick 
in  the  neck. 

TREATMENT. — Aconite  is  the  prominent  remedy  in  the 
commencement  of  the  disease  where  considerable  fever 
is  present. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours,  or  three  globules  on  the 
tongue  at  the  same  intervals. 
13* 


298  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 


Bryonia. — Severe  aching  or  darting  pain  in  the  back, 
causing  the  patient  to  walk  in  a  stooping  posture,  aggra- 
vated by  the  slightest  motion,  or  a  draught  of  cold  air, 
and  sometimes  attended  with  a  sensation  of  chilliness. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Ithu#. — Pains  of  a  shooting  or  dragging  character; 
severe  aching,  as  from  a  sprain  or  bruise ;  sensation  of 
stiffness  or  tension  in  the  affected  part  on  movement; 
pain  aggravated  by  rest.  A  prominent  remedy  in  cases 
of  long  standing,  and  frequently  indicated  after,  or  in 
alternation  with  Bryonia, 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

belladonna. — Deep-seated  pains,  producing  a  sensa- 
tion of  heaviness,  gnawing  or  stiffness. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  and  frequently  in  alternation  with  that 
remedy. 

Nixc-vomica. — A  valuable  remedy  in  obstinate  cases. 
Pains  increased  by  motion  and  turning  in  bed  at  night, 
and  attended  with  weakness ;  pains  resembling  those 
produced  by  a  bruise  or  fatigue ;  irritable  temper  and 
constipation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Puhatilla. — Particularly  useful  in  females,  or  indivi- 
duals of  mild,  sensitive,  or  phlegmatic  temperament. 
Pains  resembling  those  mentioned  under  the  head  of 
Nux,  but  producing  a  sensation  of  constriction  in  the 
affected  parts. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite^  Give  once  in  four  or  six  hours. 

Mercurius. — Pains  resembling  those  indicating  lfaixt 
but  aggravated  at  night. 

DOSE.  — Same  as  Nux.  Where  the  affection  is  of  long  duration, 
the  above  remedies  may  be  given  at  longer  intervals. 

NEURALGIA.     PROSOPALGIA.     TIC-DOLOUR  EUX. 
This  disease  may  attack  every  system  of  nerves,  and 
be  developed  in  every  part  of  the  body.    Being  purely 
an  affection  of  the  nerves,  the  pain  may  become  most 


NEURALGIA.       PROSOPALGIA.       TIC-DOLOUREUX.  299 


intense  and  agonizing,  sometimes  producing  delirium. 
It  assumes  different  names,  when  developed  in  different 
parts  of  the  body.  Thus,  we  have  Prosopalgia,  Tic- 
doloureuX)  Nervous  headache,  Angina  pectoris,  dec.,  all 
of  which  are  only  varieties  of  neuralgia. 

For  Neuralgia  of  the  Stomach,  see  Gastralgia.  Neural- 
gia of  the  Abdominal  nerves,  see  Colic.  For  Nervous 
headache,  see  headache. 

Of  the  other  forms  of  neuralgia  we  shall  treat  of 

1.  Facial  Neuralgia,  sometimes  called  Prosopalgia  or 
Tic-Doloureux. 

2.  Angina  Pectoris,  or  neuralgia  of  the  heart. 

3.  Neuralgia  of  the  spinal  marrow. 

4.  Sciatica. 

1.  Neuralgia  of  the  Pace. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  pain  is  not  continuous,  but  comes  on 
in  paroxysms  at  irregular  intervals.  At  first  it  may  be 
slight,  like  the  commencement  of  a  common  toothache, 
but  it  gradually  increases  in  severity,  until  the  patient 
may  become  almost  wild  with  the  pain.  The  pain  is  of 
a  lancinating,  tearing,  beating  or  boring  character,  and 
follows  the  course  of  the  nerve.  After  the  pain  has 
continued  a  certain  length  of  time,  it  gradually  subsides. 
The  more  severe  the  paroxysm,  the  shorter  its  duration. 
Where  the  pain  commences  at  a  point  in  the  eyebrow 
directly  over  the  middle  of  the  eye,  it  generally  extends 
to  the  eyebrow,  forehead,  eyelids,  and  frequently  deep 
in  the  orbit  of  the  eye.  If  it  commences  at  a  point  about 
the  middle  of  the  cheek  bone,  it  may  extend  over  the 
cheek,  lower  eyelid,  upper  lip,  and  radiate  to  the  teeth, 
palate,  and  tongue.  Where  the  pain  commences  about 
the  middle  of  the  chin,  it  may  extend  to  the  lips,  teeth, 
sides  of  the  tongue,  and  the  soft  parts  under  the  chin. 
Thus,  whatever  nerve  is  affected,  the  pain  may  be  traced 
along  its  branches.  There  may  also  be  a  reflex  action 


300  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

of  the  nerves  of  motion,  producing  an  involuntary  twitch- 
ing of  the  muscles  of  the  affected  part. 

The  intervals  between  the  paroxysms  may  be  of  hours, 
days,  or  even  weeks'  duration, .  but  the  longer  they  con- 
tinue the  more  frequent  they  become,  until  at  length 
the  nerves  may  become  so  sensitive  that  the  paroxysm 
is  excited  by  the  slightest  emotion,  or  by  the  least  touch, 
or  exposure  to  cold  air. 

CAUSES. — It  may  be  complicated  with  rheumatism,  or 
be  the  result  of  cold,  wounds,  contusions,  affections  of 
the  teeth  and  abdominal  organs,  suppressed  chronic 
eruptions,  carcinomatous,  psoric,  or  syphilitic  dyscrasia. 

TREATMENT. — Aconite. — In  inflammatory  or  rheumatic 
prosopalgia,  where  there  is  considerable  heat  and  swell- 
ing. The  pain  is  throbbing,  burning,  shooting  or  stitch- 
ing, worse  at  night,  appearing  in  paroxysms  and  accom- 
panied with  great  sensibility  of  the  whole  nervous 
system. 

Belladonna. — Paroxysm  commencing  with  an  itching 
in  the  affected  part,  and  changing  to  a  violent  lancinating, 
aching,  crampy  or  drawing  pain  in  the  check  and  nasal 
bones ;  the  pain  is  on  one  side,  and  is  frequently  accom- 
panied with  an  increased  secretion  of  saliva  or  tears. 
Agravationg  of  pain  from  the  slightest  movement,  noise, 
warmth  of  a  bed,  or  a  current  of  air.  Twitching  of  the 
muscles  of  the  face. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelves  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of 
water,  a  tablespoonful  during  the  violence  of  the  paroxysm  every  half 
hour  or  hour,  gradually  increasing  the  intervals  as  the  pain  abates. 

Bryonia. — Particularly  in  rheumatic  persons,  and 
where  the  pains  are  of  a  pressing,  drawing,  lacerating  or 
piercing  character;  mitigated  by  moving  the  part  affect- 
ed; pains  in  the  limbs,  and  sometimes  chilliness  fol- 
lowed by  fever. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  hour  or  two  hours. 


NEURALGIA.       PROSOPALCHA.       TIC-DOLOUREUX.  301 

Chainomtila. — Great  sensibility  and  extreme  restless- 
ness ;  swelling  of  the  face ;  redness  of  one  cheek  and 
paleness  of  the  other ;  drawing,  tearing  or  pulsative  pain, 
with  sensation  of  torpor  in  the  part  affected. 

DOSE  — Same  as  Bryonia. 

China. — Stitching,  pressive,  or  beating  pains,  par- 
ticularly in  the  cheek  bones,  aggravated  by  the  slightest 
contact ;  sensation  of  torpor,  and  paralytic  weakness  in 
the  parts  affected. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Colocynth. — Violent  rending,  or  darting  pains,  princi- 
pally on  the  left  side  of  the  face,  and  extending  to  the 
ears,  temples,  nose,  and  teeth,  and  all  parts  of  the  head, 
aggravated  by  the  slightest  touch. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of 
water,  a  tablespoonful  once  in  one  or  two  hours. 

Coffea. — Insupportable  pain,  and  great  excitability  of 
the  nervous  system. 

Arsenicum. — Violent  burning,  or  tearing  pain,  worse 
at  night,  or  during  repose,  and  relieved  by  the  application 
of  external  heat.  Great  prostration,  and  sometimes  a 
sensation  of  coldness  in  the  affected  parts.  Tendency  to 
periodicity  in  the  attacks. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Bepar-s. — Pains  in  the  bones  of  the  face,  aggravated 
by  the  slightest  touch;  aggravation  in  the  evening. 

Platina. — Sensation  of  coldness,  or  torpor  in  the  affect- 
ed part,  with  severe  spasmodic  pain ;  or  tensive  pressure 
in  the  bones  adjoining  the  ear,  with  a  sensation  of 
creeping  or  crawling;  worse  in  the  evening,  or  at  rest. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Spigelia. — Violent  tearing  or  jerking  pain,  aggravated 
by  the  slightest  touch,  or  by  movement  of  the  parts,  or 
pains  appearing  to  shoot  from  the  centre  of  the  brain  to 
the  sides  of  the  head;  pains  of  an  aching,  pressive 


302  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 


character,  sometimes  with  glossy  swelling  of  the  affected 
part 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Jllius. — Stinging,  burning,  or  drawing  pain,  or  pain  as 
from  subcutaneous  ulceration ;  worse  during  repose  and 
in  the  open  air,  and  relieved  by  movement  or  warmth. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia,  with  which  it  may  sometimes  be  al- 
ternated. 

Mercurius. — In  rheumatic  persons,  with  aggravation  o1 
pain  at  night,  and  nightly  perspiration;  sensation  of 
coldness  in  the  parts  affected,  and  great  debility. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

JVux-v. — Especially  in  persons  addicted  to  spirituous 
liquors,  and  those  of  a  lively  and  choleric  temperament, 
or  those  who  lead  a  sedentary  life.  Drawing  and  jerking 
pain,  aggravated  in  bed,  in  the  cold  air,  and  during 
meditation. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Pulsatilla. — Lacerating  or  pulsative  pain  on  one  side, 
worse  on  lying  down  and  during  repose ;  relieved  in  the 
open  air.  Particularly  useful  in  women  and  persons  of 
a  mild  or  timid  character. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Satrina. — Pains  of  a  violent  lacerating  and  throbbing 
character,  occurring  during  menstruation. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  or  three  globules  on  the 
tongue.  Give  every  hour  or  two  hours. 

Kalmia  —  -This  remedy  has  been  given  with  marked 
success  in  the  more  violent  forms  of  Prosopalgia,  where 
the  pains  are  of  a  violent  lacerating  or  throbbing  char- 
acter. 

DOSE  . — Three  drops,  in  six  tablespoonfuls  of  water,  a  tablespoon- 
ful  every  hour. 

Where  the  attacks  are  intermittent  in  their  character, 
coming  on  at  stated  intervals,  it  may  be  necessary  to 
give  Quinine.  From  a  half  to  one  grain  may  be  given 


NEURALGIA  OF  THE  HEART.  303 

during  the  interval  between  the  attacks,  once  in  four 
hours. 

Where  the  pain  is  excessively  violent,  it  may  be  ad- 
visable to  bathe  the  parts  with  a  mixture,  composed  of 
six  drops  of  Aconite,  to  four  tablespoonsful  of  water, 
Sta/physagria  may  also  be  applied  in  the  same  manner. 
The  external  application  may  be  waria  or  cold,  accord- 
ing to  the  feelings  of  the  patient. 

2.    ANGINA    PECTORIS. 

Newalgia,  of  the  Heart. 

DIAGNOSIS.  — Intense  and  terrible  pain  in  the  region  of 
the  heart,  coming  on  in  paroxysms,  and  extending  over 
the  chest,  neck,  and  arms,  and  accompanied  with  sensa- 
tion of  fainting.  The  pain  varies  in  intensity,  the 
breathing  may  be  apparently  arrested,  or  be  exceedingly 
difficult  and  attended  with  moaning;  the  pulse  is  gene- 
rally small  and  feeble,  and  during  the  paroxysm,  the 
face  and  extremities  may  be  covered  with  a  cold  sweat. 

CAUSES. — It  may  arise  from  abuse  of  spirituous  drinks, 
errors  in  diet,  dyspepsy,  rheumatism  or  gout,  and  is  not 
unfrequently  connected  with  organic  disease  of  the  heart. 

TREATMENT. — During  the  paroxysm  the  patient  should 
remain  perfectly  quiet,  in  an  erect  position,  and  be  re- 
lieved from  all  external  pressure. 

Arsenicum. — This  is  a  valuable  remedy,  where  the 
patient  is  unable  to  breathe,  except  with  his  chest  bent 
forward ;  oppressive  stitching  in  the  region  of  the  heart, 
with  fainting  and  anguish;  the  attack  is  renewed  or 
aggravated  by  the  least  motion. 

Digitalis  is  indicated  where  the  action  of  the  heart  is 
violent,  or  where  the  disease  sets  in  suddenly,  and  there 
are  present,  drawing  or  spasmodic  pains  in  the  left  chest 
and  sternum,  the  neck  and  arms,  and  sometimes  a  deathly 
anguish. 

Belladonna. — Difficult  and  hurried  respirations  with 


804  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 


moaning;  tensive  shooting  or  press! ve  pain  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  heart ;  tremor  of  the  heart,  with  anguish  and  an 
aching  pain. 

Rhus. — Violent  pulsative  stitches,  in  the  region  of 
the  heart,  sometimes  with  painful  lameness  and  numb- 
ness of  the  left  arm ;  palpitation  of  the  heart ;  difficulty 
of  breathing. 

Spigelia. — Great  difficulty  of  breathing.  Dull  or  op- 
pressive stitches  in  the  region  of  the  heart ;  cutting, 
lacerating,  or  tensive  and  drawing  pain ;  violent  palpita- 
tion of  the  heart. 

If  other  remedies  are  required,  Iodine,  Mercury, 
Phosphorus,  and  Veratrum.  See  also  "  Facial  Neuralgia," 
and  "Materia  Medica." 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose  ;  or  six  globules,  or  a  powder  on  the  tongue. 
In  violent  paroxysms,  give  every  half  hour  or  hour,  gradually  in- 
creasing the  intervals  as  the  pain  abates. 

3.  Neuralgia  of  the  Spinal  Marrow. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Pain  in  the  back,  with  convulsive  paroxysms 
in  the  internal  body,  or  in  the  organ  in  relation  with  the 
affected  portion  of  the  spinal  marrow.  When  the  dis- 
ease is  in  the  upper  portion  of  the  marrow,  it  may  affect 
the  head,  causing  severe  pain  there,  dizziness,  amaurosis, 
buzzing  in  the  ears,  deafness,  delirium,  and  stiffness  of 
the  neck.  If  the  affection  is  in  the  lower  cervical  portion, 
its  effects  are  felt  in  the  chest,  arms,  and  throat,  produc- 
ing serious  pain  and  paralysis,  spasms  of  the  throat,  hic- 
cough and  oppression,  or  palpitation  of  the  heart.  If 
the  upper  dorsal  portion  be  affected,  we  have  spasmodic 
cough,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  fainting  fits,  moaning 
and  pains  below  the  false  ribs.  If  the  lower  dorsal  por- 
tion is  diseased,  there  may  be  pain  in  the  stomach,  de- 
rangement of  the  digestive  functions,  and  difficulty  in 
urinating.  If  the  lumbar  portion  is  affected,  we  may 


SCIATICA.  305 

have  colic,  almost  paralysis  of  the  limbs,  and  drawing 
in  the  testicles. 

As  this  disease  may  be  somewhat  complicated  in  its 
character,  it  will  always  be  best  to  consult  a  physician. 
Among  the  prominent  remedies,  we  may  enumerate 
Belladonna,  RJius,  Staphysagria,  Oonium,  Veratrum, 
Sdbina,,  Colocynth,  Aurum,  and  JYux-v.  See  Neuralgia 
of  the  face,  also  Materia  Medica. 

4.    SCIATICA. 
Pain  in  the  Hip. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Pain  in  the  region  of  the  hip,  frequently 
extending  to  the  knee  and  foot,  and  following  the  course 
of  the  sciatic  nerve.  By  its  severity  it  may  not  only 
produce  violent  pain,  but  stiffness  and  contraction  of  the 
limb.  The  pain  manifests  itself  not  only  during  motion, 
but  also  during  repose.  This,  as  well  as  other  diseases 
)f  the  hip,  and  also  of  the  knee-joint,  should  not  be 
leglected,  but  the  advice  of  a  physician  immediately 
)btained. 

TREATMENT. — When  the  attack  is  accompanied  with 
3onsiderable  fever,  Aconite  may  be  given,  if  the  pain  is 
violent,  in  alternation  with  Belladonna,  or  Bryonia. 

Belladonna. — Where  the  slightest  motion  increases 
the  pain  ;  the  skin  of  the  part  affected  is  red  and  shin- 
ing, and  burning  fever  may  be  present. 

Bryonia. — The  symptoms  are  similar  to  those  indicat- 
ing Belladonna,  with  the  exception  that  the  parts  affect- 
ed are  not  as  red,  but  quite  as  painful ;  constipation  may 
also  be  present. 

Rhus. — The  pains  are  darting,  tearing  or  dragging, 
attended  with  tension  and  stiffness  in  the  muscles,  and 
aggravated  during  rest ;  painful  sensibility  of  the  joint 
when  rising  from  a  sitting  posture. 

Ignatia. — Pains  of  an  incisive  nature,  particularly  on 
moving  the  limb.  It  is  highly  useful  where  the  disease 


306  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

occurs  in  persons  of  a  mild  or  melancholic  temperament. 

Colocynth. — Sensation  as  if  a  tight  band  where  around 
the  hips  and  back,  the  pains  running  down  from  the 
regions  of  the  kidneys  into  the  legs ;  pain  excited  or 
aggravated  by  anger  or  indignation. 

Pulsatilla. — Pains  worse  toward  evening,  during  the 
night,  and  when  seated,  but  relieved  in  the  open  air. 

\ ",/  ,.?•. — Pains  aggravated  towards  morning, and  attend- 
ed with  a  sensation  of  stiffness  and  contraction,  also  of 
paralysis,  torpor  and  chilliness,  in  the  parts  affected. 

Ars:  nicum. — Burning  pains  or  sensation  of  coldness  in 
the  affected  parts ;  acute  dragging  pain,  with  great  rest- 
lessness, occasional  intermission  of  pain,  with  periodical 
returns ;  pain  relieved  by  external  warmth ;  weakness 
and  disposition  to  lie  down. 

Among  the  other  remedies  sometimes  indicated,  we 
may  mention :  Veratrum,  Chamomilla,  Conium,  Stajihy- 
sayria,  Hep.-s^  Phosphorus,  and  Sepia,  Sulphur,  Mercury, 
and  Lachesis. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on  the  tongue. 
In  severe  cases  give  a  dose  every  two  or  three  hours.  If  the  disease 
assumes  a  chronic  character,  a  dose  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours  will 
be  sufficient. 

In  all  forms  of  neuralgia  the  galvanic  battery  will 
often  produce  the  most  beautiful  results. 

PARALYSIS. 

Palsy. 

DIAGNOSIS. — There  is  a  partial  or  total  loss  of  voluntary 
motion  and  sometimes  of  sensation.  Certain  portions  of 
the  body  may  be  in  a  state  of  paralysis  and  other  parts  as 
active  and  vigorous  as  ever.  Thus  the  arm  may  be  para- 
lyzed, and  also  certain  muscles  of  the  face.  Where  it 
follows  apoplexy  there  is  generally  paralysis  of  the  whole 
of  one  side  of  the  body  from  the  head  to  the  feet  This 
is  called  Jlcrrdplegia. 


EPILEPSY.  307 


When  there  is  a  loss  of  voluntary  motion  only,  the 
affected  parts  become  soft  from  want  of  action  and  wither 
away. 

TREATMENT. — Consult  a  physician  without  delay,  for  if 
taken  in  time  a  cure  may  often  be  affected,  while,  if 
the  disease  is  allowed  to  run  on,  it  may  soon  be  out  of 
the  reach  of  aid. 

P.kus. — An  important  remedy  where  there  is  great 
sensitiveness  to  cold  air,  general  debility  and  languor, 
tingling  or  itching  in  the  paralyzed  parts.  Lameness  in 
the  extremities  and  joints,  with  stiffness,  worse  on  rising, 
after  having  been  seated  for  some  time.  Paralysis  of 
one  side  or  of  the  lower  extremities,  with  dragging, 
slow,  difficult  walking.  Particularly  useful  when  caused 
oy  nervous  fevers. 

Nux-v. — Paralysis,  particularly  of  the  lower  extremi- 
ties ;  trembling  of  the  limbs ;  cramps  and  spasmodic 
twitching  of  the  parts ;  heaviness  and  stiffness  of  the 
iimbs,  sensitiveness  to  cold  air.  Especially  when  brought 
on  by  the  use  of  stimulants,  narcotics,  or  from  a  too  se- 
dentary life. 

Among  the  other  important  remedies,  we  may  enume- 
rate :  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Cuprum,  Secale,  Plumbum, 
Cocculus,  Stannum,  Eali-cwrb.,  Nat-rum-mur.,  and  Sulph, 

Cuprum,  is  a  prominent  remedy  where  the  attack  seta 
in  after  Asiatic  cholera,  nervous  or  typhoid  fever,  or 
apoplexy.  Secale  where  the  paroxysms  are  of  frequent 
recurrence.  Natwum-mur.  is  a  valuable  remedy  where  the 
paralysis  is  caused  by  sexual  debauchery,  onanism,  vio- 
lent passion,  anger  or  chagrin.  The  electro-magnetic  bat 
tery  will  often  establish  a  cure  when  all  other  means  fail 
DOSK. — The  remedy  maybe  given  once  or  twice  a  day. 

EPILEPSY. 

There  are  convulsive  motions,  with  entire  loss  of  con. 
sciousness ;  falling  down,  with  cries  and  foam  at  the 


308  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 

mouth;  the  thumbs  are  flexed  into  the  palm  of  the 
hand.  The  attacks  occur  in  paroxysms,  each  paroxysm 
having  two  stages.  The  first  or  convulsive  stage  may- 
last  from  a  few  minutes  up  two  or  three  hours,  when  it 
passes  into  the  second  or  the  soporous  or  apoplectic  stage. 
Sometimes  the  attack  comes  on  without  any  premonition, 
when  the  patient,  no  matter  where  he  may  be,  falls 
senseless  to  the  earth,  as  if  struck  by  lightning.  Some- 
times, however,  there  are  premonitory  symptoms,  such 
as,  headache  and  nausea.  The  attacks  may  come  on  at 
certain  periods,  but  more  frequently  at  indefinite  times. 
The  disease  is  difficult  to  cure  and  the  attacks  may  con- 
tinue through  life,  ending  in  weakness  of  the  mental 
faculties,  and  sometimes  almost  idiocy.  It  must  be  borne 
in  mind  that  in  epilepsy,  the  convulsions,  however  weak 
they  may  be,  are  attended  with  entire  loss  of  conscious- 
ness, while  convulsions,  even  of  the  most  violent  charac- 
ter, if  the  patient  still  retain  a  certain  amount  of  con- 
sciousness, are  not  epileptic. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease  almost 
every  thing  depends  in  getting  at  the  correct  cause,  hence 
the  case  should  be  submitted  to  a  careful  physician. 
During  the  paroxysm  particular  pains  should  be  taken 
to  prevent  the  patient  hurting  himself  from  his  violent 
motions.  A  simall  piece  of  pine  wood  or  a  piece  of  cork 
may  also  be  placed  between  his  teeth.  Two  drops  of 
Belladonna  may  be  mixed  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  wa- 
ter, and  a  teaspoonful  given  as  soon  as  he  can  swallow, 
every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  During  the  second  or 
soporous  stage,  Opium  may  be  given  in  the  same  way,  a 
dose  once  in  a  half  hour  or  hour. 

CHOREA. 

St.   Vitas' s  Dance. 

This  disease  may  occur  as  an  epidemic,  particularly 
when  large  crowds  meet,  some  of  whom  are  laboring 


TETANUS.  309 

under  some  violent  excitement.  It  most  frequently, 
however,  occurs  in  females  at  the  time  of  development  of 
puberty,  from  the  seventh  to  the  sixteenth  year. 

There  are  involuntary  motions  of  single  members,  or 
of  the  whole  body,  wandering  from  one  part  to  the  other. 
These  motions  are  exceedingly  variable  in  their  charac- 
ter. Sometimes  there  are  violent  jerks  of  different  parts 
of  the  body ;  if  of  the  arm,  whatever  is  in  the  hand  at 
the  time  is  thrown  down  with  violence ;  sometimes  there 
are  violent  contortions  of  the  muscles  of  the  face,  again 
the  patient  may,  against  his  will,  dance  for  hours,  or  run 
for  miles,  until  completely  exhausted.  It  differs  from 
epilepsy  in  one  important  particular,  the  convulsions  are 
never  attended  with  loss  of  consciousness. 

It  would  be  impossible,  in  a  work  like  this,  to  detail 
the  treatment  of  this  disease,  as  the  practiced  judgment 
of  the  physician  is  necessary  to  conduct  the  cure.  The 
galvanic  battery  will  be  found  an  important  remedy. 
The  system  should  be  strengthened,  and  to  this  end,  the 
body  should  be  bathed  with  cold  water,  out-door  exercise 
taken,  and  violent  excitement  avoided. 

TETANUS. 

Trismus,  or  Lockjaw. 

By  tetanus  we  understand  sudden  contractions  01 
cramps,  long-continued  and  violent  twitching  of  the  vo 
luntary  muscles  of  various  parts  of  the  body.  Generallj 
the  muscles  most  easily  affected  are  those  of  the  neck 
jaws,  and  throat.  The  patient  feels  an  uneasiness  in 
bending  or  turning  the  head,  at  length  there  is  difficulty 
in  opening  the  mouth,  and  this  is  shortly  followed  by 
closing  of  the  jaws,  either  gradually,  but  with  great 
fimmess,  or  suddenly,  and  with  a  snap.  Soon  the  muscles 
connected  with  swallowing  become  affected,  and  this  is 
shortly  followed  by  a  severe  acute  pain  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  sternum,  piercing  through  to  the  back.  The  pain 


310  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS. 

is  subject  to  aggravation  in  paroxysms,  the  spasms  ex- 
tending to  the  muscles  of  the  ti-unk',  to  the  large  muscles 
of  the  extremities]  the  muscles  of  the  face,  and  so  on 
until  all  the  voluntary  muscles  of  the  body  may  become 
fixed.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  spasms  increase  in 
frequency  and  violence,  and  are  attended  with  intense 
pain.  Where  the  contractions  or  spasms  are  confined  to 
the  lower  jaw,  the  disease  is  generally  called  "  tritsmus  or 
lockjaw" 

CAUSES. — The  most  common  causes  are  punctured  and 
lacerated  wounds,  which  injure  one  or  more  of  the  nerves. 
It  is  more  liable  to  follow  punctured  wounds  in  the  ex- 
tremities than  in  the  trunk.  Taking  cold  in  wounds,  the 
irritating  effects  of  splintered  bones  and  foreign  sub- 
stance, such  as,  dirt,  rust,  &c.,  also  blows  upon  the  back 
may  lead  to  tetanus.  It  sometimes,  although  much  more 
rarely,  follows  suppressed  menstruation,  low  fevers  and 
violent  exertion  of  the  mind  and  body. 

TREATMENT. —  The  exciting  cause  should  by  ascertained 
and  removed  if  possible. 

JVux-v. — This  is  a  highly  important  remedy  in  almost 
every  variety  of  tetanus.  It  is  especially  indicated  where 
the  spasms  are  frequent  and  short,  and  there  are  cramp- 
like  pains  in  the  region  of  the  stomach,  constipation  and 
loss  of  appetite.  If  the  patient  has  been  addicted  to 
the  use  of  spirituous  liquors,  the  indications  for  the  re- 
medy will  be  still  more  apparent. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue  every  hour. 

Arnica. — This  remedy  may  be  used  with  advantage  as 
an  external  application  in  those  injuries  which  threaten 
to  lead  to  tetanus.  Six  drops  may  be  mixed  with  three 
tablespoonfuls  of  water,  and  the  wound  washed  with  the 
mixture  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Two  drops  also  may 
be  mixed  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  and  a  table 
spoonful  given  at  the  same  intervals. 

Belladonna  may  be  given  where  the  disease  affects 


HYDROPHOBIA.  311 


principally  the  extremities,  and  where  it  is  occasioned 
by  deranged  menstruation  and  difficulties  connected  with 
the  utero-genital  system  ;  also  where  delirium  is  present. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  two,  three,  or  four  hours.  Pulsatilla  may  be 
given  with  advantage  after  Belladonna,  at  the  same  ..intervals. 

Should  there  be  great  rigidity  of  the  extremities,  wild 
and  fixed  look,  and  difficult  respiration  and  deglution, 
Stramonium  will  be  indicated  in  alternation  with  Hy- 
osciamus.  Give  every  hour  or  two  hours,  prepared  same 
as  Belladonna. 

Warm  bathing  and  the  external  application  of  hot 
fomentations  are  often  productive  of  decided  relief. 
Among  the  other  remedies  which  may  be  indicated,  we 
may  enumerate,  Verai/rum^  Sydrocianic-acid,  PhospJio- 
rus,  and  Camphor. 

HYDROPHOBIA. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  fearful  and  agonizing  diseases 
on  record,  and  what  adds  still  more  to  the  terror  inspired 
by  its  name,  but,  very  little  success  has  as  yet  been  met 
with,  in  its  treatment. 

DIAGNOSIS. — The  disease  follows  the  bite  of  a  rabid  ani- 
mal, not  however  immediately.  The  wound  may  seem 
perfectly  healthy,  and  heal  as  kindly  as  if  no  poison  had 
been  infused  into  it  by  the  bite  of  the  animal.  In  the 
course  however  of  a  period,  varying  from  three  weeks  to 
eighteen  months, — and  some  say  years  may  elapse, — the 
premonitory  symptoms  set  in.  The  bitten  parts  present 
a  livid  and  slightly  swollen  appearance,  which  is  accom- 
panied by  burning  heat  and  sharp  pain,  extending  toward 
the  central  part  of  the  body.  Very  soon  after  this  local 
irritation  commences,  sometimes  even  in  a  few  hours, 
the  specific  constitutional  symptoms  begin.  The  patient 
is  hurried  and  irritable ;  there  is  pain  and  stiffness  about 
the  neck  and  throat,  and  every  attempt  to  swallow  fluids 
brings  on  a  paroxysm  of  choking  and  sobbing.  As  the 


312  GEN! RAL    AFFECTIONS. 

disease  advances,  the  eyes  become  red  and  brilliant,  and 
highly  sensitive  to  light,  the  cramps  about  the  throat, 
neck,  and  chest,  more  and  more  violent,  until  the  sight 
of  liquid  or  any  shining  substance,  or  even  the  passing 
of  a  gust  of  wind  over  the  face,  produce  the  most  pain- 
ful paroxysm.  A  viscid  saliva  is  constantly  secreted,  and 
notwithstanding  the  most  intense  thirst  is  present,  the 
patient  cannot  drink  for  fear  of  bringing  on  the  fearful 
spasm.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  old  wound  opens 
and  discharges  an  offensive  substance,  respiration  be- 
comes more  difficult,  the  countenance  is  haggard,  the 
eyes  sunken,  but  still  brilliant;  there  is  delirium  of  a 
wandering  or  violent  character,  constant  inclination  to 
bite,  loss  of  voice,  sinking  of  the  pulse,  until  at  length, 
death  comes,  as  a  welcome  messenger  to  relieve  the  poor 
victim  of  his  tortures. 

TREATMENT. — Where  a  person  has  been  bitten  by  an 
animal  supposed  to  be  rabid,  the  bitten  part  should  be 
immediately  cut  out  or  cauterized  with  caustic  potash 
or  some  other  burning  substance.  Belladonna,  may  be 
used  as  a  preventive  and  also  during  the  disease.  As  a 
preventive,  six  globules,  may  be  taken  every  other  night 
for  two  weeks.  During  the  disease  two  drops,  or  twelve 
globules,  may  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a 
tablespoonful  given  every  hour  or  two  hours. 

-ZTwovv.,  Stramonium,  Hyosciamus,  Lachesis  and  Vera- 
I/rum  may  be  of  service  given  as  in  tetanus. 

DELIRIUM    TREMENS. 
Mania  a  Potu. 

This  disease  is  so  well  known  as  to  require  but  slight 
description  here.  It  is  met  with  in  every  grade  of  so- 
ciety, from  the  high  to  the  low,  among  the  rich  and  the 
poor.  Among  the  so-called  higher  classes  of  society,  it 
very  often  receives  the  name  of  nervous  fever,  or  inflam- 


DELIRIUM    TREMENS.  313 


mation  of  the  brain,  while  among  the  poor  it  is  called 
by  its  blunt  and  appropriate  name,  " delirium  tremtns" 

This  disease,  as  a  general  thing,  is  produced  by  a  long- 
continued  use  of  spirituous  liquors.  We  sometimes  find 
it,  however,  in  those  who  are  not  in  the  least  addicted 
to  this  detestable  vice,  but  whose  nervous  system  has 
been  overstrained  by  other  modes  of  strong  excitement. 
Thus,  the  long-continued  mental  anxiety  in  which  gam- 
blers and  great  speculators  are  accustomed  to  live,  may 
cause  it. 

DIAGNOSIS. — This  disease  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  in- 
flammation of  the  brain,  yet  when  observed  even  with 
but  litle  care,  the  difference  is  very  apparent. 

The  face  may  be  red  and  the  eyes  blood-shot.  There 
is  a  rapid  pulse,  wildness  of  look  and  constant  fidgeting 
with  the  hands,  and  sometimes  tremor  of  the  limbs. 
The  delirium  is  generally  a  busy  delirium ;  whatever  he 
does  is  done  in  a  hurried  manner,  and  with  a  sort  of 
anxiety  to  perform  it  properly.  There  is  great  sleep- 
lessness, frequently  an  entire  absence  of  sleep  for  several 
days  and  nights ;  constant  chattering.  The  tongue  is 
moist  and  creamy,  the  pulse  though  frequent,  is  soft,  and 
the  skin  moist.  Ask  the  patient  a  question,  and  he  may 
answer  it  properly,  but  immediately  his  thoughts  are 
wandering  to  things  which  exist  only  in  his  imagination. 
His  thoughts  are  generally  distressing  and  anxious ;  he 
is  giving  orders  about  his  business  to  persons  who  are 
absent,  or  devising  plans  of  escape  from  some  imaginary 
enemy,  or  starting  in  terror  at  the  hideous  reptiles  which 
he  thinks  he  distinctly  sees  all  around  him.  He  seldom 
meditates  harm,  the  delirium  more  frequently  being  com- 
bined with  a  mixture  of  cowardice  and  fear. 

TREATMENT.— Opium. — This  is  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent remedies  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease.  There 
are  rapid  and  constant  motions ;  wild  and  staring  ex- 
pression; tremor  of  the  hands  and  limbs;  frightful  or 


814  GENERAL,    AFFECTIONS. 


fantastic  visions,  confusion  of  ideas,  and  sometimes  stupe- 
faction and  inclination  to  commit  suicide. 

Nux-v. — Trembling  of  the  limbs ;  spasmodic  twitching 
in  different  parts  of  the  body ;  vomiting  or  pressure  and 
burning  in  the  stomach;  constipation,  headache,  cold- 
ness of  the  extremities ;  depression  of  spirits ;  constant 
uneasiness,  anguish,  and  desire  to  run  away ;  troublesome 
visions. 

Belladonna. — Congestion  of  blood  to  the  head,  flushed 
face,  injected  eyes,  boisterous  delirium ;  great  nervous 
excitement ;  trembling  of  the  limbs,  and  visions. 

Stramonium  and  Hyosciamus  are  also  valuable  reme- 
dies, especially  where  there  are  convulsive  movements, 
great  excitability,  rapid  motions,  picking  at  imaginary 
objects  and  muttering  delirium. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  of  the  remedy,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  every  hour,  until  relief  is  obtained 

TUBERCULOSIS.     SCROPHULOSIS. 
Scrofula. 

We  have  already  referred  to  some  of  the  varieties  of 
this  disease,  and  the  causes  which  contribute  the  most 
to  its  development  It  might  with  propriety  be  called 
" Parent  of  diseases"  as  it  is  the  fruitful  source  of  al- 
most an  innumerable  variety.  It  is,  as  a  general  thing 
hereditary,  taints  the  whole  system,  and  may  be  deve- 
loped in  any  organ  of  the  body ;  even  the  bones  furnish 
frightful  evidences  of  its  ravages.  It  may  remain  latent 
in  the  system  for  years,  but  be  developed  in  all  its  viru- 
lence in  some  weakened  organ,  or  in  a  system  prostrated 
by  disease,  anxiety,  or  dissipation. 

A  tuberculous  constitution  may  be  indicated  by  the 
following  appearances;  large  head,  short,  thick  neck, 
light  hair,  fair  skin  and  rosy  cheeks,  generally  blue  eyes 
and  large  pupils ;  the  form  may  be  full  and  rounded,  but 
the  flesh  is  soft  and  flabby ;  frequent  bleeding  at  the 


SCROFULA.  315 


nose,  and  accumulation  of  mucus  in  the  lungs,  trachea, 
nose,  and  intestinal  canal. 

The  prominent  symptoms  are,  glandular  swellings  and 
indurations  on  the  neck,  below  the  jaw,  the  nape  of  the 
neck,  axilla,  groins,  and  finally  in  almost  every  part  of 
the  body.  The  swellings  are  at  first  soft,  painless  and 
moveable,  but  afterward  become  larger,  harder,  painful, 
inflamed,  and  finally  suppurate  and  form  scrofulous 
ulcers.  As  we  have  said  before,  almost  every  tissue  and 
organ  of  the  body  may  be  attacked  by  this  disease. 

It  may  attack  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  com- 
mencing with  a  swelling  and  redness  about  the  wings  of 
the  nose,  and  attended  with  a  thin  offensive  discharge 
which  frequently  blocks  up  the  nostril. 

The  stomach  and  liver  may  also  be  the  seat  of  tuber- 
culosis, as  well  as  the  spleen,  intestines,  throat,  lungs, 
brain,  spinal  marrow,  eyes,,  ears,  bones,  joints,  &c.  A 
frequent  form  in  which  scrofula  is  developed  is  Scrofu- 
lous Ophthalmia;  in  this  variety  there  is  an  extreme 
sensitiveness  to  light,  even  the  slightest  ray  producing 
intense  pain.  An  eruption  generally  appears  during  the 
inflammation  on  the  cheeks  near  the  eyes,  into  which 
they  frequently  extend,  producing  ulcers  which  may 
destroy  sight. 

White  swelling  and  Hip-disease,  are  other  forms  of 
scrofula  in  which  the  joints  and  the  membrane  which 
surrounds  them  are  diseased.  These  diseases  are  gene- 
rally slow  in  their  progress,  at  first  pain  only  being  felt 
after  exercise.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  cartilages 
and  other  substances  which  compose  the  joint,  become 
so  thickened  that  the  joint  becomes  immoveable.  If  the 
disease  is  still  allowed  to  progress,  suppuration  takes 
place,  accompanied  with  emaciation,  hectic  fever,  great 
prostration,  and  night-sweats  soon  terminating  in  death. 

Rachitis  or  JRickets,  is  another  variety  of  scrofula  af- 
fecting principally  the  bones,  and  usually  making  its 


316  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

appearance  between  the  ninth  month  and  the  second 
year.  This  is  a  morbid  alteration  of  the  bones,  characte- 
rized by  swelling,  softening  and  deformity.  The  head 
is  large  and  heavy,  and  sinks  on  the  ^shoulders.  The 
softened  bones  are  unable  to  retain  their  shape;  hence 
the  shoulders  stand  out,  the  spinal  column  is  curved,  and 
lasting  deformity  of  different  parts  of  the  system  may  be 
the  result,  as  well  as  serious  diseases  occasioned  by  the 
contraction  of  internal  organs. 

I  have  already  spoken  of  the  tubercles  of  the  lungs, 
in  the  article  on  Pulmonary  Consumption.  It  will  be  im- 
possible in  our  limited  space,  to  go  into  the  minutise  of 
the  almost  innumerable  variety  of  diseases  produced 
either  in  part,  or  entirely  by  a  tuberculous  taint.  It  will 
be  only  necessary  to  refer  the  reader  to  the  diseases 
under  their  respective  heads. 

CAUSES. — The  prominent  causes  of  hereditary  tuber- 
culosis have  been  given  in  the  chapter  on  the  causes  of 
disease.  But  the  disease  as  we  there  remarked  is  not 
always  hereditary.  It  may  be  produced  in  childhood  by 
nursing  from  a  scrofulous  or  syphilitic  nurse,  or  even  be 
introduced  into  the  child  by  vaccination,  the  pus  having 
been  taken  from  one  in  whom  there  was  a  constitutional 
taint.  It  may  also  be  produced  by  living  in  impure, 
damp,  or  moist  cold  air ;  in  a  general  neglect  of  clean- 
liness, and  eating  heavy  indigestible  food  in  the  first 
years  of  infancy.  Violent  astringent  medicines  which 
impede  and  stop  the  salutary  motions  of  nature,  and 
measles,  small  pox,  scarlet  fever,  and  those  other  dis- 
eases which  tend  to  weaken  the  lymphatic  system,  may 
also  produce  it. 

TRKAIMI.M. — The  treatment  should  be  in  a  great  mea- 
sure constitutional.  The  food  should  be  healthy,  and 
easy  of  digestion,  but  highly  nutritious.  Vegetables 
combined  with  animal  food  may  be  used,  but  rich  gravies 
and  highly  oily  substances  should  be  avoided.  A  mode- 


SCROFULA,  317 

'  rate  use  also  of  porter,  ale,  and  light  wines  may  be  ad- 
visable. Cleanliness,  bathing  the  entire  body  daily,  and 
a  daily  change  of  linen  are  essential,  as  well  as  pure  air, 
and  active  muscular  exercise. 

The  most  prominent  remedies  in  the  treatment  of  the 
various  forms  of  Scrofula  are,  Sulphur,  Calcarea,  Iodine, 
ferrum,  Mercury,  Aurum,  China,  Belladonna,  Conium, 
Hepar-s.,  Sepia,  Sarita,  Dulcamara,  and  Ithus 

Sulphur. — Its  prominent  indications  are,  ulcers  on 
various  parts  of  the  body ;  humid  eruptions  on  the  head, 
behind  the  ears,  and  discharge  from  the  ears ;  eruption 
about  the  eyes,  and  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  sometimes 
with  ulcers  on  the  cornea,  great  intolerance  of  light  and 
swelling  and  inflammation  of  the  lids;  swelling  and 
sometimes  suppuration  of  the  glands ;  white  swelling  of 
the  knee  and  pain  in  the  knee  and  hip-joints ;  pulmonary 
cough,  with  sticking  pains  in  the  chest  and  purulent  ex- 
pectoration; swelling  of  the  nose  with  offensive  discharge. 

DOSE. — In  acute  cases,  a  powder,  once  in  six  hours,  in  chronic 
cases,  every  night. 

RJius. — Eruptions  and  soft  tubercles  on  the  scalp; 
inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with  eruption  around  them, 
and  great  sensitivess  to  light ;  eyelids  itch,  are  swollen 
and  inflamed ;  scurfy  eruptions  on  different  parts  of  the 
body ;  swelling  of  the  glands  about  the  neck  and  throat ; 
enlargement  of  the  bones  and  inflammation  in  the  hip 
and  knee-joints;  stiffness  and  lameness  of  the  limbs, 
and  sensitiveness  to  the  air ;  stitches  in  the  chest,  and 
short  painful  cough ;  crusty  eruption  in  the  nose  and 
about  the  mouth. 

DOSE. — Six  globules,  once  in  twelve  or  twenty-four  hours. 

Iodine. — Enlargement  and  induration  of  the  glands ; 
rough  and  dry  skin  and  emaciation ;  inflammation  of  the 
knee,  with  swelling,  catarrhal  affections  of  the  mucous 
membrane ;  inflammation  and  swelling  in  the  liver ; 
abdomen  tumid,  with  pain  on  pressure ;  cough  and  pain 


318  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

in  the  chest ;  swelling  and  pain  in  the  bronchial  glands, 
and  hectic  fever. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Rhus. 

Calcarea. — This  is  an  exceedingly  valuable  remedy  in 
almost  every  stage  of  tuberculosis,  particularly  in  glan- 
dular swellings  and  softening  of  the  bones.  It  is  also 
highly  indicated  in  the  scrofulous  ophthalmia  of  children, 
especially  where  there  are  ulcers  on  the  cornea;  also 
scrofulous  eruption  and  ulcers  in  children.  It  follows 
well  after  Sulphur,  Mercurius,  and  Hepar-s.,  and  may  be 
followed  with  advantage  by  Silicca.  or  Iodine. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Hepar-s. — Particularly  where  the  tumors  and  enlarged 
glands  are  in  a  state  of  suppuration,  and  where  the  ulcers 
discharge  a  thin  and  offensive  matter ;  also  in  Ophthal- 
mia where  there  is  a  profuse  secretion  of  tears,  and  a 
considerable  mucous  discharge. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Calcarea. 

Mercury  will  be  found  of  great  advantage  where  there 
is  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with  danger  of  ulceration  ; 
inflammation,  pain,  and  swelling  of  the  glands ;  eruptions 
and  ulcers  on  the  body,  and  affections  of  the  bones  and 
joints. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Calcarea. 

Belladonna. — Glandular  swelling,  with  inflammation 
and  suppuration.  Inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with  heat, 
redness,  and  great  sensitiveness  to  light,  severe  pain  in 
the  ball  of  the  eye ;  swelling  of  the  bones,  of  the  lips, 
nose  and  tonsils,  bleeding  of  the  gums ;  roaring  in  the 
ears,  soreness  of  the  throat,  &c. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  in  acute  cases,  every  three  or  four  hours ;  in  chronic 
cases  every  night. 

Baryta. — Scrofulous  affections  of  the  ears,  with  dis- 
charge of  purulent  matter;  pain  in  the  joints  and  bones; 
sore  throat,  especially  al'tor  a  cold  ;  chronic  inflammation 
of  the  eyelids ;  scrofulous  eruutions  and  ulcerations. 


CANCER.  319 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  at  night. 

Sepia  is  particularly  useful  in  females  affected  with 
derangement  of  the  menstrual  functions,  and  Aurum, 
Fcrrum,  and  Phosphorus  will  be  found  of  great  advan- 
tage in  obstinate  cases,  especially  where  the  strength  is 
running  down.' 

DOSE. — Same  as  Baryta. 

Eryonia  will  be  found  a  most  valuable  remedy  in  tu- 
berculous affections  of  the  chest,  characterized  by  rheu- 
matic or  aching  pain  in  the  chest  and  cough. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Great  benefit  may  also  be  obtained  by  visiting  some  of 
the  Sulphur  or  Iron  springs  which  abound  in  this  country. 

CANCER. 

Carcinoma. 

This  malignant  disease  may  be  correctly  classed  under 
the  head  of  Dyscrasia.  Like  tuberculosis,  taken  in  its 
incipient  stage  it  can  be  in  a  measure  held  back  if  not 
entirely  eradicated,  but  permit  it  once  to  fasten  firmly 
in  the  system,  and  its  progress  is  as  a  general  thing 
steadily  onward,  notwithstanding  the  utmost  effort  of 
human  skill  to  arrest  its  march,  until  its  victims,  are  re- 
lieved from  pain  by  the  welcome  summons  of  death. 

Cancer  may  properly  be  divided  into  three  species,  viz., 
scirrhus ;  encephaloid  or  brain-like  cancer ;  and  colloid 
or  gum-like  cancer. 

Scirrhus  is  characterized  by  great  hardness.     It  is  as 
firm  as  a  cartilage,  and  creaks  when  divided  by  a  knife. 
The  surfaces  exposed  by  its  division,  present  a  glisten 
ing,  satiny  appearance  and  a  white,  or  grey,  or  bluish- 
white  color. 

The  encephaloid  cancer  is  composed  in  a  great  measure 
of  a  soft  white,  opaque  pulpy  substance,  very  closely 
resembling,  both  in  color  and  consistency,  that  of  the 
healthy  brain.  This  pulp  is  traversed  and  circumscribed 


320  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

by  fibrous  septa.  In  the  colloid  or  gum-like  cancer,  there 
is  exhibited  an  appearance  of  small  portions  of  a  green- 
ish-yellow transparent  gum,  or  jelly,  arranged  in  regular 
cells.  Hence  it  is  sometimes  called  alveolar  cancer. 

These  three  varieties  may,  notwithstanding  the  dissi- 
milarity of  their  appearance,  coexist  in  different  organs 
of  the  same  individual.  If  a  tumor  of  one  growth  be 
amputated,  and,  as  is  often  the  case,  a  fresh  growth 
springs  from  the  same  place,  this  secondary  growth  may 
be  of  another  species.  Occurring  in  any  one  part  of  the 
body,  they  are  exceedingly  prone  to  muitiply  in  other 
parts,  so  that  if  one  is  removed  by  the  surgeon's  knife, 
the  probability  is  that  the  disease  will  soon  be  developed 
in  some  other  part  of  the  body,  if  not  in  the  same  spot. 

Cancerous  growths  are  attended  during  some  portion 
of  their  progress  with  severe  pain ;  they  enlarge  in  bulk 
sometimes  slowly,  at  others  with  great  rapidity,  changing 
tissues  and  eating  away  contiguous  parts,  breaking  out 
when  near  the  surface  into  repulsive  ulceration  and  ulti- 
mately destroying  life.  Vital  parts  are  slowly  disorga- 
nized by  the  corroding  extension  of  these  tumors  and 
sometimes  large  blood-vessels  are  laid  open,  producing 
death  by  haemorrhage. 

This  disease  is  liable  to  attack  every  organ  and  tissue 
of  the  body :  the  brain,  the  eye,  the  lip  and  face,  the 
lungs,  the  stomach,  the  intestines,  the  liver,  the  kidneys, 
the  breast,  the  womb,  the  testicles,  the  bones,  all  may 
suifer  from  its  frightful  ravages.  Among  the  parts, 
however,  which  are  more  frequently  attacked  than  others, 
we  may  mention,  the  female  mammae,  the  uterus,  the 
stomach,  liver  and  testicle. 

The  edges  of  a  cancerous  ulcer  are  generally  hard, 
ragged,  unequal  and  very  painful.  The  whole  surface 
of  the  sore  is  also  unequal.  The  discharge  is  a  thin, 
dark-colored,  and  fetid  ichor,  and  in  the  advanced  stages 
considerable  blood  is  lost.  A  burning  heat  is  felt  over 


CANCER.  321 

the  ulcerated  surface,  and  shooting  or  lancinating  pains. 
When  it  occurs  in  the  female  breast,  it  is  more  liable  to 
commence  at  that  period,  when  the  uterine  functions 
are  about  to  cease. 

In  cancer  of  the  stomach,  there  is  but  little  perceptible 
difference  between  its  earliest  features  and  those  of  com- 
mon nervous  dyspepsy.  In  both,  flatus,  acid  eructations, 
and  weight  in  the  stomach  are  present.  At  length,  in 
cancer,  decided  pain  is  felt,  in  a  little  time  becoming 
oppressive  and  shooting  from  the  stomach  into  the  back 
and  loins,  down  the  thighs.  Nausea  sets  in,  and  the  food 
is  rejected,  mixed  with  quantities  of  ropy  mucus,  by 
which  the  pain  and  oppression  are  relieved.  The  appe- 
tite cannot  be  indulged  in  to  satisfaction  from  the  ag- 
gravation of  symptoms,  which  full  meals  and  certain 
kinds  of  food  induce.  The  bowels  are  generally  costive. 
In  this  first  stage  of  the  disease  under  the  influence  of 
some  cause,  evident  or  undiscovered,  all,  or  nearly  all  the 
symptoms  may  rapidly  vanish  and  continue  suspended 
for  weeks  or  months,  but  a  length  a  time  arrives,  when 
the  disease  takes  firm  possession. 

A  visible  wasting  now  sets  in,  increasing  as  the  mala- 
dy advances  to  a  frightful  emaciation.  The  pain  in  the 
stomach  may  become  constant,  but  aggravated  after  a 
meal.  If  the  appetite  still  remain,  the  wretched  patient 
fears  to  satisfy  the  craving,  from  the  violent  pain  pro- 
duced by  the  entrance  of  food,  and  the  vomiting  he 
knows  will  ensue.  The  vomiting  no  longer  produces  re- 
lief, but  increases  the  distress,  and  may  be  brought  on 
by  the  smallest  quantity  of  food.  Suffering  now  be- 
comes habitual,  and  unmistakeable  signs  of  anguish  are 
plainly  stamped  on  every  feature.  Beside  the  food  vo- 
mited, various  other  matters  are  thrown  from  the  sto- 
mach. Of  these,  the  most  common  are  fluids,  containing 
a  dark  substance  like  coffee-grounds,  uncoagulated  blood, 
a  thick  poraceous  matter,  or  finally  a  dark  green  serum. 
14* 


322  GENERAL,    AFFECTIONS. 


Debility  gradually  seizes  on  all  the  functions,  until  at 
length  the  patient,  wasted  almost  to  skin  and  bones,  the 
pain  and  vomiting  cease,  and  death  comes  without  a 
struggle,  a  welcome  messenger  to  free  the  poor  victim 
from  the  agony  he  has  so  long  endured. 

TREATMENT. — Very  much  depends  on  the  proper  treat- 
ment during  the  percursory  stage.  Then,  the  disease 
may  be  held  in  check  or  perhaps  entirely  eradicated, 
while,  if  allowed  to  go  on,  it  becomes  so  firmly  seated, 
as  in  the  majority  of  cases  to  terminate  fatally. 

Arsenic  is  undoubtedly  the  prominent  remedy  in  all 
forms  of  cancer.  Where  the  cancer  attacks  the  face, 
lips,  cheeks,  nose,  or  tongue,  its  indications  may  be  seen 
in  the  burning  swelling  in  the  nose,  painful  to  the  touch; 
ulceration  of  the  nostrils  with  discharge  of  fetid  ichor ; 
ulcers  in  the  whole  face ;  wart-shaped  ulcer  on  the 
check ;  ulcerated  eruption  around  the  lips,  with  burning 
pain,  particularly  when  the  parts  become  cold ;  spread- 
ing ulcer  on  the  lip,  tearing  and  smarting  during  motion. 

When  the  disease  is  in  the  stomach,  its  indications  are 
equally  apparent.  There  is  a  burning,  corrosive  and 
gnawing  pain  in  the  pit  and  region  of  the  stomach,  op- 
pressive anguish,  cutting  and  tearing  pain,  alternating 
with  the  corrosive  and  burning  pain.  Great  prostration, 
vomiting  of  food  and  mucus,  and  aggravation  of  symp- 
toms after  a  meal. 

Nux-y&m.  is  indicated  in  cancer  of  the  stomach,  where 
there  are  pressive  griping  or  crampy  sensations ;  oppres- 
sion and  sensation  of  constriction  of  the  chest ;  nausea, 
belching  up  of  sour  or  bitter  fluid,  constipation,  palpita- 
tion of  the  heart  and  flatulence. 

Mezerium  will  also  be  of  benefit  in  this  variety  of 
cancer,  where  there  are  burning,  corrosive  pains  in  the 
stomach ;  sensation  as  if  the  food  remained  a  long  time 
undigested,  and  sometimes  vomiting  of  blood. 

Plumbum  may  produce  relief,  where  there  is  obstinate 


DROPSY.  323 

constipation ;  vomiting  without  relief,  consisting  of 
greenish,  blackish,  or  bitter  substances,  and  paroxysms 
of  burning,  constrictive  pains  in  the  stomach. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  of  the  above  remedies  dry  on 
the  tongue,  morning  and  night. 

Aurum  may  be  indicated  in  most  forms  of  cancer, 
especially  when  not  only  the  soft  parts,  but  the  bones 
are  affected. 

Calcarea. — Polypi  in  the  nose,  which  may  degenerate 
into  cancer ;  also  pimples,  scurfs,  and  ulcers  high  up  in 
the  nostrils  and  around  the  lips,  accompanied  with  swell- 
ing, which  by  their  long  duration  may  end  in  cancer. 

Silicea  has  been  found  of  great  benefit,  when  there 
are  suppurating  glandular  swellings,  scirrhous  indura- 
tions, putrid  spreading  ulcers,  scurfs  and  ulcers  in  the 
nose,  on  the  lips,  and  face. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  dry  on  the  tongue,  every 
night. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  enumerated,  we  may 
mention  as  deserving  attention :  Conium,  Sepia,  Sulph., 
Hepar-s.)  Thuja,  Nitric.-ac..  Mercury,  Staphysagria  and 
Lachesis. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — The  diet  should  be  nourishing  and 
easy  of  digestion.  Meats  and  the  more  solid  articles  of 
food  should  be  preferred  to  watery  vegetables.  The 
character  of  the  food  also  must  be  guided  in  a  great 
measure  by  the  feelings  of  the  patient,  carefully  avoid- 
ing those  varieties,  experience  has  proved  injurious. 

% 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy  is  a  common  term,  signifying  effusion  into  the 
cellular  tissue,  or  into  any  of  the  natural  cavities  of  the 
body.  To  enter  into  an  explanation  of  the  causes  of 
this  effusion  would  lead  us  into  a  broader  field,  than  the 
design  of  this  work  would  admit,  a  field,  which  would 
be  in  a  measure  uninteresting  to  the  general  reader.  It 
will  only  be  necessary  for  us  then  to  briefly  describe  some 


824  GENERAL   AFFECTIONS- 


of  the  varieties  of  this  disease  and  the  treatment    We 
shall  here  speak  of  three  varieties : 

1.  Anasarca,  or  cellular  Dropsy. 

2.  Aacites,  or  Abdominal  Dropsy. 

3.  Hydrothorax,  or  Dropsy  of  the  chest. 

1.       ANASARCA,    OR    CELLULAR    DROPSY 

This  variety  generally  first  manifests  itself  in  the  lower 
extremities,  especially  after  standing  or  walking,  gra- 
dually extending  upwards,  until  the  cellular  tissue  of  the 
whole  system  becomes  involved.  The  swelling  is  gene- 
rally soft  and  doughy,  leaving  a  dent  on  pressure,  and 
the  skin  white  and  shining.  When  confined  to  the  lower 
extremities,  it  may  exist  for  years  with  but  little  danger, 
but  it  seldom  pervades  the  whole  system,  unless  the 
system  has  become  seriously  impaired. 

CAUSES. — It  is  frequently  produced  by  abuse  of  Arsenic 
and  Mercwry.  Loss  of  blood,  abuse  of  stimulants,  de- 
rangement of  the  womb,  scarlatina,  measles,  pulmonary 
consumption,  &c. 

2.       ASCITES,    OR    ABDOMINAL    DROPSY. 

Dropsy  of  the  belly  is  often  the  result  of  inflamma- 
tion of  the  bowels,  or  peritoneal  inflammation,  or  it  may 
come  on  almost  imperceptibly  from  some  constitutional 
disturbance.  There  is  a  gradual  enlargement  of  the  ab- 
domen, generally  commencing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  sto- 
mach, and  afterwards  extending  over  the  entire  abdo- 
men. There  is  difficulty  of  breathing  on  taking  exer- 
cise, sallow  complexion,  dry  skin,  and  scanty  secretion 
of  high-colored  urine.  Also  a  general  feeling  of  languor 
and  debility,  and  stiffness,  particularly  when  attemt»ting 
to  bend  the  body. 

3.       HYDROTHORAX,    OR    DROPSY    IN    THE    CHEST. 

The  most  common  causes  of  this  affection  are,  organic 
disease  of  the  heart,  and  protracted  pleuritic  inflamma- 


HYDROTHORAX.  325 

tion.  The  symptoms  are  the  most  urgent  when  the 
patient  has  remained  for  some  time  in  a  recumbent 
posture.  The  breathing  is  rapid  and  labored,  and  the 
countenance  distressed,  pallid  and  wax-like.  Shortness 
of  breath  occurs  from  the  slightest  exercise,  and  the 

CJ  7 

pulsations  of  the  heart  are  irregular.  Dropsy  of  the 
heart  is  a  frequent  attendant  on  hydrothorax. 

TREATMENT. — The  prominent  remedies  in  the  cure  of 
dropsy  are  Apis-mel,  Apocymim-cannaTnum,,  Arsenicum, 
Digitalis,  China,  Hellebore,  Colchicum,  Asparagus,  Can- 
tharides,  Hyd.potassa,  Mercurius,  Crotalus  and  Dulca- 
mara. 

Aspis-mel. — This  is  a  most  important  remedy  in  gene- 
ral dropsy,  but  particularly  in  excites  and  kydrothorax. 
The  prominent  symptoms  are  anxious  respiration  and 
sensation  of  fullness  and  constriction  in  the  chest ;  full- 
ness and  tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  harsh,  dry  skin, 
diminished  secretion  and  sometimes  painful  emission  of 
urine,  impaired  appetite  and  debility. 

DOSE. — A  powder  every  six  or  twelve  hours,  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms. 

Apocynum-can.  is  a  very  valuable  remedy,  particular- 
ly in  abdominal  dropsy,  after  the  use  of  Quinine,  in  in- 
termittent fevers,  in  general  dropsy,  succeeding  scarlet 
fever,  and  also  in  other  varieties  of  the  disease. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  may  be  given  at  a  dose,  once  in  six  or  twelve 
hours.  In  acute  cases  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Arsenicum. — In  the  different  varieties  of  dropsy,  espe- 
cially when  they  are  accompanied  by  an  earthy  or  pale 
and  greenish  color  of  the  skin;  great  weakness  and 
general  prostration  ;  dryness  and  redness  of  the  tongue ; 
asthmatic  sufferings,  with  suffocating  sensation  when 
lying  on  the  back,  coldness  of  extremities;  great  thirst; 
loss  of  appetite,  tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  small  se- 
cretion of  urine,  with  frequent  desire  to  urinate ;  diffi- 
cult respiration;  blisters  or  dark  colored  spots  on  different 
parts  of  the  body. 


326  GENERAL    AFFECTIONS. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules ;  in  acute  cases,  once  in  three 
or  four  hours  ;  in  the  chronic  form  every  twelve  hours. 

Digitalis. — Scanty  secretion  of  high-colored  urine, 
strong  pulsations  of  the  heart,  irregularity  of  the  pulse, 
pale  face  and  blue  lips ;  vertigo,  distension  of  the  ab- 
domen, frequent  desire  to  urinate,  stitches  in  the  region 
of  the  heart.  This  remedy  is  strongly  indicated  in  hy- 
drothorax,  occasioned  by  disease  of  the  heart. 

Hellebore. — Swelling  of  the  face  and  lips ;  fluctuating 
swelling  in  the  abdomen ;  great  debility,  nausea,  pier- 
cing pains  in  the  extremities ;  throbbing  or  compressive 
pain  in  the  head ;  frequent  desire  to  urinate  with  an  al- 
most entire  suppression  of  the  secretions. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  from  four  to  twelve  hours. 

Dulcamara. — Particularly  for  dropsy,  occasioned  by 
suppressed  perspiration,  and  where  the  skin  is  dry  and 
hot,  the  whole  body  bloated,  the  urine  small  in  quantity, 
turbid  and  fetid ;  great  thirst,  constipation  and  aggra- 
vation of  symptoms  at  night. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Hellebore. 

Crotalus. — General  dropsy,  swelling  of  the  whole  body; 
oppression  of  the  chest,  not  permitting  a  recumbent  po- 
sition, and  hydrothorax  in  old  people. 

China. — Pale,  sallow  or  sickly  countenance  ;  debility, 
derangement  of  the  liver  and  stomach,  with  pain  and 
tenderness  in  those  organs ;  coldness  of  the  surface  of 
the  body ;  great  sensitiveness  to  cold,  weariness  of  the 
limbs,  restless  nights,  difficult  and  suffocative  respira- 
tion, scanty  urine.  This  remedy  is  particularly  useful 
where  the  disease  has  been  occasioned  by  loss  of  animal 
fluids  and  prostrating  diseases. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  .in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  once 
in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN.— These  are  of  the  utmost  impor- 
tance. A  warm,  dry  and  pure  air  is  necessary.  In  acute 
dropsy  the  diet  should  be  the  same  as  in  other  acute  dis- 


HYDROTHORAX.  327 


eases ;  in  the  chronic  form  the  food  should  be  light  and 
nourishing,  not  much  at  a  time,  hut  taken  frequently. 
In  ascites  particular  attention  should  he  paid  to  the  di- 
gestive organs.  The  excessive  thirst  of  which  the  patient 
complains  may  he  gratified,  provided  the  beverage  does 
not  interfere  with  the  medicine.  Cold  water,  milk,  and 
buttermilk  may  be  used,  also  diuretic  drinks  sometimes, 
such  as,  decoctions  of  parsley,  asparagus,  &c. 


828  DISEASES    OF   WOMEN. 

CHAPTER    XI. 
DISEASES    OF  WOMEN. 

The  female  sex,  from  their  physical  organization,  are 
subject  to  a  large  class  of  affections  peculiar  to  them- 
selves. When  the  female  is  in  a  state  of  health  and  all 
the  organs  fulfil  their  duty  correctly,  the  successive  steps 
of  nature  are  attended  with  but  little  if  any  pain,  and 
but  slight  functional  disturbance.  But  let  the  system 
become  deranged,  from  almost  any  cause,  and  a  distur- 
bance is  very  liable  to  be  created  in  the  generative  or- 
gans. Diseases  of  these  organs,  more  or  less  severe,  are 
exceedingly  common,  and  are  attended  with  prostration 
and  sometimes  severe  pain. 

At  the  age  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  menstruation  should 
commence,  and  continue  at  intervals  of  about  twenty- 
eight  days  until  the  age  of  forty-five  or  forty-six,  lasting 
from  three  to  five  days  at  each  time,  and  throwing  off 
from  four  to  six  ounces  of  fluid.  During  gestation  and 
lactation,  these  monthly  periods,  as  a  general  thing,  cease. 
Menstruation  commences  earlier  in  warm  climates  than 
in  cold,  and  the  time  may  vary  even  in  health,  in  all 
climates,  and  also  the  intervals  between  the  periods  may 
be  a  week  shorter  in  some  than  in  others. 

In  a  perfectly  healthy  female  these  periods  should  re- 
turn with  the  utmost  regularity,  and  be  attended  with 
but  little  if  any  pain,  but  owing  to  a  variety  of  causes, 
the  menstrual  functions  are  liable  to  serious  derange- 
ments. These  derangements  are  often  brought  on  either 
through  the  carelessness  or  ignorance  of  the  patient. 
In  certain  circles  of  society,  obeying  the  arbitary  dictates 
of  foolish  and  absurd  fashion,  does  much  to  undermine 
health,  and  scatter,  broad  cast,  in  the  young  frame,  those 
seeds  with  soon  ripen  in  a  harvest  of  disease  and  suffer- 
ing, terminating  often,  after  years  of  suffering  in  death. 


AMENORRHCEA.  329 


We  pity  the  poor,  who  poorly  fed  and  badly  clothed, 
living  in  damp  and  unhealthy  air,  sink  into  an  early 
grave.  But  what  shall  we  say  of  those  who  with  the 
luxuries  of  life  at  their  command,  clothe  themselves  in 
garments  which  cannot  afford  sufficient  warmth,  walk 
the  streets  with  shoes  impossible  to  protect  their  feet 
from  the  dampness  of  the  ground,  and  with  the  absurd 
idea  of  adding  beauty  to  their  form  and  complexion, 
compress  the  chest  with  corsets,  and  smear  their  face  with 
cosmetics.  The  more  comfortably  a  person  is  clad,  and 
the  more  closely  she  obeys  the  laws  of  health  in  every 
respect,  the  less  liable  will  she  be  to  this  variety  of  dis- 
ease. See  also  the  chapter  on  Hygiene  and  the  causes 
of  disease. 

AMENORRHCEA. 
Retention,  or  Suppression  of  the  Menses. 

There  are  two  distinct  classes  of  Amenorrhoaa ;  one 
where  the  catamenia  have  never  appeared,  and  the  other 
where  they  have  continued  regular  for  some  time,  and 
then  ceased. 

In  retention  of  the  menses,  where  their  appearance  is 
delayed  beyond  the  proper  age,  the  countenance  general- 
ly presents  a  sickly  appearance  ;  the  appetite  is  variable, 
and  there  is  often  nausea,  great  debility  and  lassitude, 
and  sensation  of  fatigue  even  after  the  slightest  exertion. 
Palpitation  of  the  heart,  headache,  consumption,  de- 
rangement of  the  stomach,  pains  in  the  small  of  the 
back,  head,  limbs  and  side,  and  hysteric  symptoms  may 
also  be  present ;  haemorrhages  may  also  take  place  in 
different  organs.  Not  unfrequently  the  mind  sympa- 
thises with  the  disturbance ;  the  temper  may  be  irritable, 
or  there  may  be  a  sad,  weeping,  or  desponding  mood. 

Suppression  of  the  menses,  may  be  of  two  kinds,  acute 
and  chronic.  The  acute  form  may  arise  from  cold  caught 
by  wet  feet  dnring  the  time  of  menstruating ;  from  a 
bodily  or  mental  shock  received,  either  just  previous  to; 


330  DISEASES    OF   WOMEN. 

or  during  the  menstrual  flow ;  from  mental  distress,  or 
the  depressing  passions ;  from  fever,  or  any  serious  dis- 
ease setting  in  at  that  time. 

In  some  cases  no  ill  effects  follow  for  some  time  this 
sudden  suppression,  but  more  generally  a  degree  of  fever 
arises,  with  headache,  hot  skin,  quick  pulse,  thirst,  nau- 
sea, &c. ;  or  the  patient  may  be  attacked  by  local  inflam- 
mations either  of  the  brain,  lungs,  intestinal  canal,  or  of 
the  womb  itself. 

Chronic  suppression  may  be  the  issue  of  an  acute  at- 
tack, or  it  may  arise  from  the  gradual  supervention  of 
delicate  health  from  disease  of  the  ovaries,  uterus,  or 
other  parts.  The  time  may  become  irregular,  and  the 
quantity  gradually  diminish  until  it  ceases  entirely. 
More  frequently,  however,  the  menses  are  gradually  sup- 
planted by  a  white  discharge,  until  in  time,  the  leucor- 
rhoea  becomes  permanently  established. 

Some  of  the  prominent  causes  of  amenorrhcea  we  have 
already  enumerated.  It  may  arise,  however,  from  con- 
genital deformity,  but  here  the  skill  of  the  surgeon  will 
be  required. 

TREATMENT. — Pulsatilla  is  ^specially  adapted  to  fe- 
males of  a  mild  and  easy  disposition,  and  particularly 
when  it  arises  from  taking  cold,  from  violent  passions 
and  emotions,  and  in  partial  obstruction,  accompanied 
with  hysteric  and  dyspeptic  symptoms.  The  prominent 
symptoms  are  languor ;  pain  across  the  small  of  the  back 
and  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen ;  palpitation  of 
the  heart,  loss  of  appetite,  nausea  and  vomiting ;  sensa- 
tion of  fullness  in  the  head  and  eyes,  and  disposition  to 
general  coldness;  alternate  crying  and  laughter,  or  sad- 
ness and  melancholy.  The  symptoms  are  generally  worse 
in  the  afternoon,  and  may  change  from  one  place  to 
another. 

DOSE. — Dissolve  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules  in  a  glass  half  full 
of  water  and  take  a  tablespoonful  every  six  hours. 


AMENORRHCEA.  331 


. — Great  derangement  of  the  nervous  system, 
pinching  and  contracting  pain  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
abdomen  ;  also  a  scanty  discharge  of  black  blood,  or 
when  the  patient  is  very  weak,  with  agitation,  sighing, 
groaning,  &c. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Caprum. — A  valuable  remedy,  in  cases  of  spasms, 
with  nausea  and  vomiting,  or  where  cramps  in  the  ex- 
tremities are  present. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Phosphorus. — In  persons  of  delicate  constitutions  and 
weak  chest,  and  where,  in  place  of  menstruation,  ex- 
pectoration of  blood  occurs  in  small  quantities,  with 
hacking  cough,  and  pain  in  the  chest. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules  every  second  day. 

Arsenicum. — Great  prostration ;  swelling  of  the  feet, 
ankles  or  face,  especially  around  the  eyes,  with  paleness 
of  the  face. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  twelve  or  twenty-four 
hours. 

Sulphur. — After  Pulsatilla,  and  also  after  other  of  the 
above  remedies,  when  they  seem  indicated  yet  prove  in- 
sufficient. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  every  night. 

Bryonia  will  prove  of  benefit,  where  the  suppression 
is  attended  with  swimming  or  heaviness,  or  pressure  in 
the  head ;  pains  in  the  chest,  or  in  the  small  of  the  back, 
dry  cough,  bleeding  at  the  nose,  and  constipation. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours  ;  or  three  globules  on  the 
tongue  at  the  same  intervals. 

Sepia. — Sallow  complexion:  nervous  headache  and 
debility  ;  giddiness,  toothache,  melancholy  and  sadness ; 
pain  in  the  limbs,  as  if  they  were  bruised;  frequent  colic 
and  pain  in  the  loins. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours. 

Ferrum  and  China  are  the  prominent  remedies  where 
there  is  constitutional  debility,  seen  in  the  sickly  com- 


332  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

plexion,  emaciation,  pain  in  the  chest,  back,  limbs,  and 
loins,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  debility,  languor,  derange- 
ment of  digestion,  and  often  leucorrhcea. 

The  remedy  may  be  given  every  night  or  every  other 
night. 

Aconite  may  be  alternated  with  Bryonia  where  there 
has  been  a  sudden  suppression  of  the  menses,  producing 
congestion  to  the  head  or  chest,  with  throbbing  and 
acute  pains. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  eight  globules,  may  be  mixed  with  a  tum- 
bler of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  given  once  in  one  or  two  hours. 

Besides  the  above  remedies,  we  may  enumerate  Bella- 
donna, Veratrum,  Calcarea,  Graphitis,  Conium. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — Exercise  in  the  open  air  is  of  im- 
portance. The  diet  should  be  simple  yet  nourishing. 
Warm  foot-baths  may  be  used,  or  a  tepid  sitz-bath. 
Great  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  the  causes  which 
might  produce  the  disease. 

-   DYSMENORRHCEA. 
Painful  Menstruation.     Menstrual  Colic. 

This  painful  affection  may  occur  at  any  menstrual 
period,  and  in  some  cases  it  may  be  traced  back  to  the 
commencement  of  menstruation.  The  amount  of  pain 
varies;  in  some  cases  it  may  be  moderate,  lasting  only 
a  few  hours,  in  others  so  excessively  severe,  as  to  cause 
fainting  or  delirium. 

CAUSES. — This  painful  affection  may  be  of  a  neuralgic 
character,  or  be  produced  by  the  smallness  of  the  mouth 
of  the  womb,  or  as  is  mostly  the  case  with  plethoric  per- 
sons, be  occasioned  by  a  congested  state  of  the  secretory 
vessels  of  the  womb.  A  fruitful  cause  of  the  deranged 
state  of  the  womb  may  be  traced  to  those  almost  in- 
numerable instances,  where  the  patient  has  violated 
some  of  nature's  laws.  The  digestive  organs  are  impaired 
by  an  unnatural  state  of  living,  and  this,  together  with 


DYSMENORRHCEA.  333 


the  buckram  and  whalebone  used  to  compress  certain 
portions  of  the  body,  impedes  the  natural  circulation. 

TREATMENT. — The  most  prominent  remedies  in  this 
affection  are,  Aconite,  Pulsatilla,  Secede,  Belladonna, 
Nux-v.,  Platina,  Cocculus,  Sabina,  Ferrwn,  Conium,  and 
Veratrum. 

Aconite  will  be  required  if  there  are  febrile  symptoms 
present,  quick  pulse,  thirst,  rapid  respiration,  headache, 
and  restlessness.  It  may  frequently  be  alternated  with 
Pulsatilla  or  Belladonna. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  every  half  hour. 

Pulsatilla. — Menses  retarded,  with  discharge  of  black 
and  coagulated,  or  pale  and  serous  blood.  Also  when 
there  are  colic,  abdominal  spasms,  severe  pains  in  the 
small  of  the  back,  sometimess  passing  down  the  thighs, 
nausea,  vomiting  and  shivering  sensation.  It  is  particu- 
larly indicated,  when  attended  with  sadness  or  melan- 
choly, or  when  caused  by  exposure  to  wet  or  cold,  grief, 
mortification,  or  fright. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Belladonna. — Violent  pain  in  the  back,  and  sensation 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  as  if  the  organs  would 
be  forced  out,  accompanied  with  congestion  of  blood  to 
the  head  or  chest,  pulsative  pain  in  the  head,  and  heat 
and  redness  of  the  face.  Particularly  suitable  in  persons 
of  plethoric  habit. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Cocculus. — Early  appearance  of  the  menses,  with  ab- 
dominal spasms,  or  discharge  of  small  quantities  of  dark 
coagulated  blood,  with  pressive  colic  and  nausea ;  para- 
lytic weakness  and  spasms  in  the  chest,  or  convulsive 
movements  of  the  limbs. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Secale. — Menses  profuse  and  of  long  duration,  with 
tearing  and  incisive  pain,  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
and  great  weakness. 


334  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Ftrrum  and  Platina  are  indicated  where  there  is  pro- 
fuse menstruation,  but  severe  pain  in  the  back  and  loins, 
cramps  in  the  abdomen,  discharge  of  dark  blood,  mixed 
with  membraneous  shreds. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

JWux-v. — Where  there  is  gastric  derangement;  writh- 
ing pains  in  the  back,  with  nausea ;  pains  of  a  spasmo- 
dic character,  felt  in  the  abdomen  and  neck  of  the 
bladder. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ferrum. 

Graphitis. — Menses  feeble  and  of  short  duration. 
Griping  and  abdominal  spasms ;  violent  headache,  nau- 
sea, pain  in  the  chest  and  rheumatic  pain  in  the  limbs. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  six  globules,  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 
It  would  be  well  to  give  a  dose  of  the  appropriate  remedy,  every 
third  night  during  the  interval  between  the  monthly  period. 

When  the  pain  is  severe,  usfc  warm  applications  over 
the  lower  portion  of  the  abdomen. 

MENORRHAGIA. 

Profuse  Menstruation. 

If  the  menstrual  discharge  is  excessive,  and  continues 
longer  than  usual,  it  will  be  necessary  to  check  it  by 
means  of  the  appropriate  remedies. 

Ipecac,  is  the  appropriate  remedy,  where  there  is  a 
profuse  discharge  of  bright  red  blood,  sometimes  attended 
with  dullness  or  nausea. 

DOSE> — One  drop  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose; 
or  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on  the  tongue.  Give  at  first  every 
hour  gradually  increasing  the  intervals  as  the  symptoms  abate  to  two 
or  three  hours. 

Crocus  is  a  highly  important  remedy,  particularly 
where  the  menses  have  returned  too  soon,  and  the  dis- 
charge is  dark  colored,  clotted  and  too  copious. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  at  first  every  hour,  increasing  the  intervals  as  the  symp- 
toms abate. 


MENORRHAGIA.  335 


Sabina. — Menorrhagia  during  and  after  miscarriage, 
or  at  the  menstrual  period ;  profuse  discharge  of  bright 
red,  or  dark  coagulated  blood,  accompanied  with  rheu- 
matic pains  in  the  head  and  limbs ;  also  pains  like  labor- 
pains. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Crocus. 

China. — Great  debility  from  copious  or  long-continued 
discharges ;  also  when  the  discharge  has  been  checked, 
but  weakness  still  remains. 

DOSE. — Three  drops  in  four  tablespoonfuls  of  water,  a  tablespoon- 
ful  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Secale. — Where  the  haemorrhage  arises  from  want  of 
tone  in  the  uterus,  and  from  passive  congestion  and  de- 
bility of  that  organ ;  there  may  be  pale  face  and  cold- 
ness of  the  extremities ;  tenesmus  in  the  rectum  and 
bladder  ;  discharge  of  dark  and  offensive  blood,  increased 
by  motion,  sneezing,  or  coughing. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Pulsatilla. — Discharge  of  blood  at  intervals;  black 
and  mixed  with  clots,  with  pains  like  labor-pains ;  parti- 
cularly during  pregnancy,  at  the  critical  age  and  also  in 
confinement. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Crocus. 

Belladonna. —  In  persons  of  a  plethoric  habit ;  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head ;  dizziness  and  pain  in 
the  head ;  pressing  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back  and 
abdomen;  flushed  cheeks,  brilliant  and  congested  eyes. 

Platina. — Profuse  and  too  frequent  menstrual  dis- 
charge, consisting  chiefly  of  thick,  dark-colored  blood, 
and  attended  with  bearing-down  pain  like  labor-pain. 

Besides  the  remedies  already  enumerated,  Arnica, 
Chamomilla,  fgnatia,  Nux-v.,  Ferrum,  Sepia,  and  Sul- 
phwf. 

In  connection  with  the  internal  administration  of  reVie- 
dies  it  will  be  necessary  that  the  hips  be  elevated,  and 
the  head  lowered,  and  the  patient  kept  cool  and  quiet. 


336  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

Where  the  haemorrhage  is  profuse,  the  external  applica- 
tion of  cloths  wet  in  cold  water,  or  even  a  bladder  filled 
with  pounded  ice,  over  the  region  of  the  womb,  will  be 
advisable. 

IRREGULAR    MENSTRUATION. 

The  treatment  necessary  in  the  various  forms  of  men- 
strual irregularities  has  already  been  given. 

For  menses  too  frequent  or  too  early,  see  menorrhayia. 
For  menses  too  late  or  insufficient,  Amenorrhcea.  For 
menses  mixed  with  leucorrhcea,  see  Leucorrhcea. 

CESSATION    OF    MENSES.        CHANGE    OF    LIFE. 

This  change  generally  takes  place  about  the  forty-fifth 
or  forty-sixth  year,  although  it  may  occur  several  years 
earlier,  or  even  later.  In  a  very  few  cases  it  has  been 
delayed  until  the  age  of  sixty,  and  in  a  few  instances 
even  till  seventy.  Persons  of  delicate  constitution,  or 
those  accustomed  to  sedentary  habits  or  a  high  style  of 
living,  generally  experience  the  change  earlier  than 
those  of  robust  constitution,  or  accustomed  to  much  ex- 
ercise. 

The  change  of  life  is  one  of  the  most  important  eras 
in  a  woman's  existence,  second  only  to  the  first  appear- 
ance of  the  menses.  This  period,  safely  passed,  and 
continued  health  and  a  long  life  are  generally  before 
her,  but  now  her  path  is  surrounded  with  danger,  and 
she  must  tread  it  with  careful  footsteps.  It  is  at  this 
period  that  the  seeds  of  much  future  suffering  may  be 
sown  in  the  system,  and  those  old  predispositions  to  dis- 
ease, perhaps  long  forgotten,  spring  up  in  luxuriant 
growth.  The  menses  become  irregular  both  as  to  time 
and  quantity,  returning  once  in  two  or  three  weeks,  or 
deM^ing  three  or  four  months,  at  times  the  discharge 
sc^cely  perceptible,  at  others  so  profuse  as  to  amount  to 
a  hajmorrhage.  Sometimes  the  menstrual  fluid  is  mixed 
with  mucus. 


CHLOROSIS.  337 

In  most  females  during  the  progress  of  this  change, 
there  as  more  or  less  general  disturbance  of  the  system. 

There  may  be  great  nervousness,  severe  attacks  of 
headache,  dizziness,  flushes  of  heat,  or  paleness  and  de- 
bility ;  there  may  also  be  derangement  of  the  urinary 
organs,  the  urine  at  times  scanty  and  high-colored,  at 
others  frequent  and  in  large  quantities ;  the  patient  may 
also  experience  pain  in  the  back,  loins,  and  abdomen, 
swelling  of  the  abdomen  or  extremities,  piles,  and  vio- 
lent itching  of  the  privates,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
hysteric  spasms.  Sometimes  the  menses  gradually  cease 
without  any  unpleasant  symptoms,  and  in  almost  all 
cases,  where  the  female  safely  passes  through  this  period 
and  no  after  difficulties  are  developed,  her  health  is  more 
firmly  established  than  before. 

The  prominent  remedies  are  Pulsatilla  and  LacJiesis, 
given  in  alternation  three  days  apart.  Should  the  dis- 
charge be  frequent  and  very  profuse,  consult  menor- 
rhayia.  If  attended  with  much  pain,  see  dysmenorrhoea, 
and  for  the  other  affections  which  may  arise,  consult  the 
respective  chapters  in  which  these  diseases  may  be 
found. 

Particular  attention  should  be  given  to  diet,  exercise, 
clothing,  &c.  The  room  should  be  well  ventilated,  and 
if  possible,  daily  exercise  in  the  open  air  taken ;  daily 
bathing  should  also  be  practiced.  The  food  should  be 
nourishing,  but  easy  of  digestion,  and  articles  of  a  highly 
stimulating  character  carefully  avoided.  The  clothing 
should  be  warm  and  comfortable.  Strong  mental  or 
physical  excitement  should  be  avoided  and  a  cheerful 
state  of  mind  cultivated. 

CHLOROSIS. 

G-reen  Sickness. 
This  disease  is  confined  principally  to  female  youth, 
but  not  unfrequently  occurs  in  married  women,    and 
15 


338  DISEASES    OE   WOMEN. 


occasionally  in  the   young  and    delicate    of  the  male 
sex. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Chlorosis  has  generally  three  distinct 
stages ;  the  incipient,  the  confirmed  and  the  inveterate. 
The  first  stage  steals  on  the  patient  insidiously,  and  is 
usually  but  little  observed  by  parents  or  friends.  There 
is  slight  paleness  and  languor,  fatigue  more  easily  pro- 
duced by  the  ordinary  occupations,  restless,  nights  and 
heavy  mornings.  With  these  changes  there  is  a  confined 
state  of  the  bowels,  morbid  appetite,  deranged  condition 
of  the  bowels,  fetid  breath  and  a  white  and  pasty  tongue ; 
there  is  recurrent  headache,  pain  in  the  left  side,  and 
palpitation.  The  menses  are  also,  when  present,  of  a 
lighter  character. 

In  the  second  or  confirmed  stage  all  the  symptoms  are 
aggravated.  The  whole  system,  especially  the  face  and 
fingers,  seem  absolutely  without  blood,  sometimes  pre- 
senting a  pearly,  at  others  a  yellow  hue.  The  eyelids  are 
sometimes  slightly  swollen,  the  tongue  apparently  without 
blood,  the  teeth  liable  to  decay,  the  nails  brittle,  the 
hair  dry  and  harsh,  and  the  ankles  swollen.  As  the  dis- 
ease progresses,  the  menses  grow  scanty  and  pale,  until 
they  entirely  cease,  the  stomach  is  oppressed  after  eating, 
and  a  pecular  morbid  appetite  is  present.  The  friends 
may  be  deceived,  as  it  regards  the  character  of  the  dis- 
ease, from  the  occasional  appearance  of  severe  headache, 
pain  in  the  side  or  breast,  and  the  various  symptoms 
found  in  hysteria.  The  second  stage  gradually  passes 
into  the  third,  when  dropsical  symptoms  set  in,  and  the 
disease  assumes  a  more  dangerous  form.  There  may 
also  be  in  each  stage  of  this  affection  a  peculiar  tendency 
to  haemorrhage  from  different  organs  in  the  body. 

Es. — The  most  usual  exciting  causes  are,  delicate 
sedentary  habits,  especially  in  persons  of  a  lympha- 
tic constitution,  impure  air  and  unhealthy  food.  Ser- 
vants, and  especially  cooks,  are  particularly  liable  to  this 


CHLOROSIS.  339 


disease,  but  the  delicate  and  inert  habits  of  the  rich  not 
less  frequently  lead  to  this  affection.  In  all,  there  is  the 
same  torpor  of  the  bowels,  the  same  defective  digestion, 
assimilation  and  formation  of  blood. 

TREATMENT. — Pure  air,  frequent  bathing,  moderate  out- 
door exercise,  and  digestible  and  nutritious  diet,  are  of 
the  utmost  importance  in  this  disease.  Daily  bathing 
should  be  practiced,  commencing  with  tepid  baths,  gra- 
dually increasing  the  temperature  of  the  water,  as  the 
strength  of  the  patient  will  permit.  (See  bathing.)  Bath- 
ing in  sea- water  and  a  sea-voyage  to  some  warm  climate 
will  also  prove  of  benefit.  The  blood  is  impoverished 
and  needs  enriching,  and  this  must  be  done  by  nutritious 
articles  of  diet,  easy  of  digestion.  The  use  of  wine, 
porter,  and  Scotch  ale,  at  the  meals,  may  also  be  ad- 
visable. 

It  may  also  be  advisable  to  drink  the  water  of  some 
mineral  spring  impregnated  with  iron. 

The  most  prominent  remedies  in  the  treatment  of  this 
affection  are,  China,  /Sulphur,  Sepia,  Ferrum,  Arsenicum, 
Calcarea,  Pulsatilla,  Platina,  and  Nux-v. 

Pulsatilla. — Especially  adapted  to  persons  of  a  mild, 
timid  or  sad  disposition,  who  have  been  irregular  in 
menstruation,  or  where  there  is  total  suppression  of 
menses,  with  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  chilliness, 
&c. ;  also  if  the  disease  was  produced  by  cold  or  damp- 
ness. There  may  be  beating  and  cutting  pain  in  the 
stomach  and  abdomen ;  severe  pain  in  one  side  of  the 
head  or  in  the  forehead,  pale  face ;  green,  slimy  or  bloody 
stools ;  suppression  of  the  menses  or  scanty  menstrual 
discharge ;  acrid,  thin  leucorrhcea ;  nausea,  loss  of  ap- 
petite ;  pain  and  weakness  in  the  small  of  the  back ; 
weight  in  the  abdomen;  general  sensation  of  fatigue, 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  periodic  expectoration  of 
dark  coagulated  blood. 

Sepia. — When  Pulsatilla  has  proved  insufficient,  and 


840  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

where  there  are  painful  beatings  in  the  head,  swollen 
and  puffy  face,  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  and  dif- 
ficulty of  breathing;  colic,  pain  in  the  limbs  as  if  bruised, 
and  weakness  and  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back ;  sensi- 
tiveness to  cold  air,  and  restlessness  during  the  night. 
This  remedy  is  particularly  indicated  in  females  of  a 
nervous  temperament,  and  thin  aad  delicate  skin,  and  in 
those  in  whom  there  is  a  great  tendency  to  irregularity 
of  the  menses. 

SuJphur. — Pressive  fullness  and  heaviness  in  the 
stomach  and  bowels ;  emaciation,  violent  appetite,  and 
burning  or  sour  eructations  ;  irregularity  of  the  bowels, 
pain  in  the  loins,  and  difficulty  of  breathing,  congestion 
to  the  head,  with  throbbing  pain ;  pain  in  the  back  of 
the  head,  or  humming  in  the  head  ;  eruption  around  the 
mouth  and  on  the  forehead ;  general  nervous  irritation ; 
acrid  or  burning  leucorrhoea ;  swelling  of  the  feet  and 
ankles  ;  glandular  swellings  about  the  neck.  Symptoms 
aggravated  by  motion. 

China. — Pale  or  livid  countenance:  swelling  of  the 
limbs  ;  leucorrhoeal  discharge  ;  yellowish  skin ;  scanty 
menses,  or  suppression  of  them ;  sensitiveness  of  the 
whole  nervous  system,  and  dread  of  cold  air:  unnatural 
appetite ;  lassitude  and  debility.  It  is  particularly  in- 
dicated where  the  disease  is  accompanied  or  produced 
by  hasmorrhage,  leucorrhoea,  or  masturbation,  and  where 
there  is  great  weakness  of  the  whole  system,  fetid  breath, 
pale  or  yellowish  skin,  and  derangement  of  the  stomach 
and  bowels.  There  may  be  headache,  vertigo,  ringing 
in  the  ears,  nausea,  bitter  or  sour  taste,  flatulence,  hae- 
morrhoids, asthmatic  respiration,  trembling  of  the  limbs, 
and  sensitiveness  of  the  skin.  It  is  particularly  indicated 
in  persons  of  sedentary  habits,  or  in  those  who  have  in- 
dulged freely  in  wines  or  coffee. 

Bryonia. — Congestion  to  the  head,  chilliness,  some- 


LEUCORRH(EA.  341 


times  alternating  with  heat;  dry  cough,  colic,  constipa- 
tion, and  sometimes  bleeding  at  the  nose. 

Ferrum  and  Calcwrea,  may  be  important  remedies, 
where  there  are  emaciation,  swelling  of  the  extremities, 
and  great  debility. 

DOSE. — Six  globules,  or  a  powder,  may  be  given  morning  and 
night ;  or  if  the  liquid  is  given,  two  drops  may  be  mixed  in  a  tumbler 
of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  taken  at  the  same  intervals. 

LEUCORRHCEA. 
Fluor  Albus.     Whites. 

Leucorrhoea  is  one  of  the  most  troublesome  and  obsti- 
nate, as  well  as  the  most  common  of  the  whole  class  of 
female  diseases.  The  causes  are  various.  It  may  be  pro- 
duced by  cold,  by  a  sudden  suppression  of  the  menses ; 
by  severe  labor,  where  the  vagina  has  been  kept  for  a 
long  time  on  the  stretch,  by  constipation,  free  use  of  tea 
and  coffee,  ascarides  in  the  rectum,  excessive  sexual  in- 
dulgence, exertion  soon  after  delivery,  violent  exercise, 
or  not  sufficient  exercise,  frequent  child-bearing,  and  also 
as  a  symptom  of  various  affections  of  the  womb.  The 
most  frequent  causes  of  leucorrhoea,  however,  may  be 
traced  to  errors  in  living,  imprudence  in  dress,  and  that 
artificial  life  so  common  in  certain  classes  of  society. 
How  often  do  we  see  the  simple  teachings  of  nature  re- 
jected, and  mind  and  body  warped  and  compelled  to  bend 
to  the  dictates  of  fashion,  or  follow  the  lead  of  an  absurd 
and  diseased  imagination  ?  Need  we  wonder  that  where 
the  passions  are  stimulated,  and  the  mind  excited  by 
the  luxuries  and  stimulants  of  the  table,  the  excitements 
of  the  ball-room  or  theatre,  and  the  glowing  and  some- 
times impure  pages  of  a  certain  class  of  fiction,  a  reaction 
should  be  produced  both  on  the  mind  and  the  body. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Leucorrhoea  may  be  of  two  kinds.  It  may 
either  be  an  affection  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
vagina,  in  which  case  it  is  called  vaginal  leucorrhcecty  or 


842  D1SF.ASF.S    OF    WOMEN. 


it  may  be  a  morbid  action  of  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  uterus,  when  it  receives  the  name  of  uterine  Icucor- 
rho&a.  Both  of  these  varieties  may  have  an  acute  or 
chronic  stage.  It  will  not  be  necessary  in  this  place  to 
draw  the  precise  line  of  demarcation  between  the  varie- 
ties of  the  disease,  and  we  shall  therefore  include  all 
under  the  one  head  of,  leucorrhcea. 

The  milder  forms  are  frequently  allowed  to  run  -on  for 
a  long  time  before  any  medical  advice  is  taken.  The 
character  of  the  discharge  depends  upon  the  seat  and  se- 
verity of  the  disease.  When  the  discharge  is  consider- 
able, and  of  some  standing,  decided  effect  is  produced  on 
the  system.  The  countenance  becomes  pale  and  sallow, 
the  frame  weak,  the  appetite  impaired  or  capricious,  the 
spirits  languid,  and  exertion  is  attended  with  fatigue  ; 
the  bowels  are  irregular,  and  digestion  disordered ;  pain 
in  the  back  is  also  felt  when  fatigued,  and  a  peculiar 
dragging,  bearing-down  and  weary  sensation.  The  dis- 
charge in  these  cases  is  of  a  mucous  character,  and  may 
not  be  very  abundant. 

The  most  acute  form  of  leucorrhcea,  generally  the  ef- 
fects of  a  cold,  or  some  irritating  cause,  consists  of  a 
profuse  watery  or  purulent  discharge,  attended  with 
local  soreness  and  pain.  The  vagina  is  hot  and  tender 
to  the  touch ;  fever  is  also  present.  When  the  discharge 
is  more  scanty  and  glairy,  or  creamy  and  opaque,  it  is 
an  indication  that  the  neck  of  the  womb  is  affected. 
All  the  varieties  of  leucorrhcea  may  end  in  the  chronic 
form,  when  the  discharge  is  more  or  less  profuse  and 
constant,  mucous  or  purulent,  or  a  mixture  of  both ;  it 
may  also  become  green  and  purulent.  The  quantity 
may  also  be  abundant,  amounting  in  some  cases  to  a 
pint  in  twenty-four  hours,  and  expelled  in  gushes  on 
every  change  of  posture.  In  these  cases  there  is  great 
emaciation  and  debility.  There  may  be  dragging  pain 


LEUCORRHCEA.  343 


in  the  back,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  night-sweats,  diffi- 
cult respiration,  and  swelling  of  the  feet. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  successful  treatment  of  this  dis- 
ease, very  much  depends  on  the  physical  and  mental 
condition  of  the  patient.  The  food  may  be  nourishing, 
but  taken  at  the  proper  time,  and  be  as  little  stimulat- 
ing as  possible.  Late  suppers,  wines  and  all  kinds  of 
dissipation  should  be  avoided.  Moderate  exercise  in  the 
open  air  will  be  productive  of  good,  but  care  should  be 
taken  to  avoid  much  fatigue.  Particular  attention  also 
should  be  given  to  the  dress.  The  feet  should  be  well 
protected  from  the  damp  ground,  the  clothing  warm  and 
comfortable,  fitting  loosely  to  the  body,  and  the  skirts 
instead  of  being  permitted  to  hang  upon  the  hips,  held 
up  by  the  shoulders  by  means  of  shoulder-straps  or 
braces.  Above  all,  cultivate  a  healthy  tone  of  mind. 
Cast  aside  the  exciting  romance,  and  mingle  only  in 
those  amusements  which  will  have  a  tendency  to  pro- 
duce a  healthy  action  on  the  mind  and  body. 

Water  is  a  most  important  remedial  agent  in  this  af- 
fection. A  daily  hip-bath  should  be  taken,  and  the  en- 
tire body  throughly  bathed.  Cold  water  thrown  up 
the  vagina  by  a  syringe  prepared  for  that  purpose, 
may  also  be  highly  advantageous. 

The  use  of  vaginal-injections  in  Leucorrhoea  are  of 
great  importance.  Often  the  simple  use  of  cold  water 
thrown  into  the  vagina  four  or  five  minutes  at  a  time  with 
an  ordinary  female  syringe,  will  be  all  that  is  necessary. 
Should  however  there  be  considerable  irritation,  a  de- 
coction of  green-tea  should  be  used.  I  have  also  found 
great  benefit  from  the  use  of  Sulphate-zinc  or  Nitrate- 
silver,  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains  dissolved  in  a  pint  of 
water,  and  one  or  two  syringe-full  thrown  into  the  vagina 
morning  and  night. 

China,  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  the  commencement  of 
the  treatment,  and  in  those  cases  where  the  disease  has 


344  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

been  produced  by  debilitating  causes,    and  is  of  long 
standing. 

Pulsatilla. — Especially  when  the  affection  occurs  dur- 
ing pregnancy,  and  when  the  discharge  is  thick  like 
cream,  or  milky,  or  thin,  acrid  and  burning,  and  when  it 
is  associated  with  indigestion.  Particularly  useful  in 
persons  of  a  lymphatic  temperament,  in  whom  the 
monthly  flow  is  irregular. 

Calcarea. — When  Pulsatilla  seems  indicated,  but  yet 
has  not  produced  the  desired  effect ;  and  also  in  females 
in  whom  the  monthly  turn  is  excessive,  and  when  the 
affection  occurs  at  the  turn  of  life,  and  is  attended  with 
severe  itching ;  particularly  suitable  in  chronic  leucor- 
rhcea,  affecting  weak  and  scrofulous  females. 

Sepia. — Particularly  indicated  in  sensitive  and  deli- 
cate persons  ;  the  discharge  is  yellow  or  greenish,  more 
or  less  acrid  or  corrosive,  generally  watery,  and  most 
abundant  just  before  or  just  after  the  menses,  and  at- 
tended with  itching  in  the  parts. 

Alumina. — Where  the  menstrual  flux  is  scanty,  and 
the  discharge  profuse,  corrosive,  and  attended  with  itch- 
ing and  burning. 

Nux-v. — Where  the  affection  is  induced  by  abuse  of 
stimulants,  or  indigestible  food,  and  the  discharge  is  pro- 
fuse, and  of  a  bloody,  yellowish  or  fetid  mucous  character, 
and  is  attended  with  constipation  and  cramp-like  pains 
in  the  abdomen. 

Su!phur. — In  obstinate  cases,  and  where  it  results 
from  repelled  eruptions ;  also  where  the  discharge  is  of 
a  yellowish,  burning  and  corrosive  character,  and  pre- 
ceded by  colic. 

Agarirus. — Particularly  when  occasioned  by  a  torpid 
state  of  the  liver,  and  where  there  is  pain  in  the  small 
of  the  back,  weariness  of  the  limbs  and  sensation  as  of 
a  pressing  weight  in  the  lower  part  of  the  body,  intense 
itching  and  burning  in  the  genital  organs. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  OVARIES. PROLAPSUS   UTERI.      345 

Kreosote. — In  most  forms  of  chronic  leucorrhcea. 

DOSE. — A  dose  of  the  selected  remedy  may  be  taken  morning  and 
night,  until  five  doses  have  been  taken,  when  if  necessary  it  may  be 
changed. 

Besides  the  remedies  above  enumerated,  Cocculus, 
Causticum,  Graphitis,  Iodine,  Ipecac.,  Nitr.-ac.,  Natr.- 
mur.  may  also  be  of  benefit. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  OVARIES. 

In  this  disease  there  is  pain  more  or  less  acute,  in 
front  of  the  hips  or  along  the  groins.  The  pains  are 
usually  of  a  burning,  aching,  or  throbbing  character. 
There  may  also  be  itching  or  burning  in  the  private 
parts,  gastric  affections,  headache,  constipation  and  de- 
rangement of  the  whole  nervous  system. 

Apis-mel. — Is  indicated  especially  in  dropsy  of  the 
ovaries,  and  where  the  pains  are  of  a  stinging  and  burning 
character,  the  urine  being  scanty. 

DOSE. — One  drop  of  the  dilution,  a  powder  or  six  globules  in  six 
spoonsful  of  water.  Give  a  spoonful  every  four  hours. 

^rscmmm.— Especially  in  ovariar  dropsy,  and  when 
there  is  burning  pain  and  great  weakness. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Apis-mel. 

Cantharis.— Severe  burning  pains  extending  into  the 
thighs,  with  cutting  pains  when  passing  water. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Apis-mel. 

Hepar. — When  with  the  ovariar-pains  there  is  profuse 
menstruation  and  tendency  to  eruptions. 
DOSE. — Same  as  Apis-mel. 

PROLAPSUS    UTERI. 

Falling  of  the  Womb. 

Palling  of  the  womb  is  a  very  common  affection, 
especially  among  females,  who  have  borne  children, 
although  it  is  occasionally  met  with  in  unmarried  fe- 
males, and  those  who  have  never  given  birth  to  children. 
It  is  occasioned  by  a  weakness  of  the  ligaments,  which 
give  support  to  the  womb,  and  also  by  a  weakness  of  the 
U* 


846  DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 

walls  of  the  vagina.  We  frequently  find  it  the  result 
of  sitting  up  too  soon  after  delivery,  and  also  occasioned 
by  violent  vomiting,  coughing,  or  sneezing,  by  lifting 
heavy  weights,  and  a  general  weakness  of  the  system. 

The  patient  complains  of  a  sensation  of  fullness  in  the 
pelvis,  of  weight  and  bearing-down  and  dragging  from 
the  loins  and  umbilicus.  There  is  more  or  less  pain  in 
the  back,  extending  round  the  groins.  The  patient  is 
worse  in  the  evening  than  in  the  morning,  and  the  symp- 
toms are  aggravated  by  much  exertion.  Leucorrhcea  is 
generally  an  attending  symptom,  although  the  discharge 
may  vary,  occasionally  very  profuse,  sometimes  slight, 
but  in  all  cases  diminishing  the  strength  of  the  consti- 
tution. 

TREATMENT. — The  sitz-bath  will  be  highly  beneficial, 
also  general  bathing.  Rest  in  the  recumbent  position 
will  be  advisable,  or  at  least,  the  patient  should  avoid 
being  on  the  feet,  as  much  as  possible. 

In  the  commencement  of  the  difficulty,  a  powder,  or 
six  globules  vfNux-v.  may  be  alone  sufficient  to  produce 
a  cure.  If  this  remedy  fails  of  producing  the  desired  ef- 
fect, it  may  be  followed  by  Belladonna,  S<pia,  Calcarea, 
or  Aurum  in  the  same  manner,  changing  the  remedy 
for  another,  if  in  a  week's  time  no  effect  is  produced. 
In  severe  cases  the  patient  will  of  course  perceive  the 
propriety  of  consulting  her  physician. 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  speak  here  of  various  other 
affections  of  the  womb,  such  as  cancer,  and  a  variety  of 
ulcerations  and  tumors,  as  the  experience  and  skill  of 
the  physician  or  surgeon  will  be  necessary  to  produce 
relief. 

PREGNANCY. 

The  birth  of  a  child,  is  at  once  the  most  wonderful, 
and  sublime  act  of  existence.  Existence  itself  assumes 
a  mightier  import  to  the  mother  as  she  gazes  on  the 


PREGNANCY.  347 


little  being,  whose  pure  eyes  are  turned  to  tier's,  whose 
form,  clasped  to  her  bosom,  thrills  through  all  her  being, 
and  unseals  the  fountains  of  a  deathless  love.  Springing 
from  herself,  a  part  of  herself,  for  two  hundred  and 
seventy  days  nourished  in  her  womb,  commencing  from 
an  almost  imperceptible  germ,  and  growing  on  day  by 
day,  drawing  life  itself  from  her,  until  at  length  a  minia- 
ture human  being,  it  is  folded  in  her  arms,  with  a  body, 
a  part  of  herself,  and  a  soul  a  part  of  God,  deathless, 
eternal.  Another  ripple  is  started  in  the  great  ocean  of 
life,  whose  widening  circles  are  lost  from,  mortal  gaze  in 
the  ocean  of  eternity. 

Parturition  is  a  crisis  in  a  woman's  existence.  It  is 
no  disease,  no  chance  of  life,  but  the  healthy  action  of 
nature,  and  one  great  end  of  her  being.  Safely  carried 
through  this  crisis,  the  equilibrium  of  the  system  be- 
comes more  perfect,  and  the  health  more  firmly  esta- 
blished. It  is  one  of  the  strange  things  of  nature  that 
this  crisis  so  complete,  producing  such  a  tremendous  re- 
volution in  the  whole  system,  should,  in  such  a  vast  ma- 
jority of  cases,  terminate  favorably.  The  danger  in  the 
majority  of  cases,  is  in  proportion  to  the  previous  health 
of  the  mother,  and  her  obedience  of  the  laws  of  nature 
Those  who  daily  violate  nature's  laws,  who  forget  the 
mighty  responsibility  which  rests  upon  them,  and  the 
fearful  crisis  through  which  they  are  about  to  pass,  need 
not  wonder  at  being  the  victims  of  a  train  of  evils,  which 

'may  end  in  death. 

To  one  class  the  period  of  gestation  seems  like  a  dark 
and  thorny  path ;  others,  less  sensitive,  or  more  philo- 

•  sophical,  or  enthusiastic  in  their  nature,  forget  the  pre- 
sent, in  the  bright  anticipations  for  the  future,  or  look 
upon  it  as  something  over  which  they  can  have  no  con- 
trol, and  therefore  give  way  to  indolence,  or  freely  in- 
dulge in  all  the  luxuries  and  extravagances  a  morbid 
appetite  can  induce. 


848  DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 

The  mother  should  never  forget  that  her  own  health, 
and  thoughts,  and  feelings,  during  the  period  of  gestation 
must  produce  a  marked  influence  on  the  child.*  Her 
condition,  mental  as  well  physical,  when  carrying  the 
child  is  all  important  to  its  future  welfare.  Cases  are 
by  no  means  rare,  where  the  excessive  anxiety  or  sad- 
ness of  the  mother  during  the  period  of  gestation  is 
shown  in  the  after  life  of  her  child.  It  has  been  ob- 
served that  in  a  large  proportion  of  cases,  where  children 
are  born  out  of  wedlock,  the  delivery  is  premature,  or 
if  the  mother  reaches  her  full  time,  she  gives  birth  to  a 
still-born  child.  The  agony  of  the  mother,  the  thought 
of  the  brand  of  shame  which  will  ever  after  cling  to  her, 
the  withering  of  life's  brightest  flowers,  the  hissing 
tongue  of  the  world's  scorn,  marking  her  out  as  an  object 
fit  only  to  be  trampled  in  the  dust,  all  this  is  enough 
not  only  to  destroy  the  child,  but  the  mother  also. 

There  is  no  period  of  life  when  a  woman  stands  in 
such  need  of  sympathy  as  at  this  time.  It  is  now,  when 
sensitive  in  the  extreme,  she  needs  the  watchful  and 
soothing  care  of  affection.  Let  her  at  other  times  con- 
tend, and  wrestle,  if  it  must  be  so,  with  the  stern,  harsh 
and  cruel  exactions  of  a  cold  and  selfish  world,  and  there 
are  times  when  a  woman's  spirit  and  nerve  are  stronger 
than  man's,  but  now  surround  her  with  an  atmosphere 
where  the  tumultuous  heavings  of  the  world,  with  its 
passions  and  troubles,  are  as  little  felt  as  possible.  Make 
the  path  as  smooth  and  easy  as  unwearied  kindness, 
patience  and  affection  can  accomplish. 

The  extreme  sensitiveness  at  these  times,  often  ren- 
ders the  utmost  tact  and  forbearance  on  the  part  of 
friends,  absolutely  essential.  She  should  be  surrounded 
with  every  comfort,  and  every  means  taken  to  secure 
cheerfulness  and  an  easy,  happy  mind.  To  secure  this 

*  I  have  alluded  to  this  subject  in  the  chapter  on  the  causes  of  disease. 


PREGNANCY.  349 


it  is  not  necessary  she  should  be  surrounded  by  useless 
luxuries,  and  every  ridiculous  whim,  the  result  of  a 
morbid  imagination  gratified.  This  would  produce  the 
thing  you  wish  to  avoid. 

Gloomy  and  harrassing  thoughts  and  impressions 
should  be  guarded  against,  and  every  means  taken  to 
preserve  a  healthy  and  vigorous  tone  to  the  mind  and 
body.  The  mother  should  by  no  means  yield  to  indo- 
lence or  indulge  in  dissipation.  Cheerful  conservation, 
pleasant  friends,  agreeable  books,  and  the  soothing 
charm  of  music,  as  well  as  daily  out-door  exercise  and 
household  duties,  all  should  contribute  their  share  to 
promote  comfort  and  enjoyment.  The  cases  are  very 
rare,  where  it  is  essential  for  the  mother  to  give  up  her 
household  duties  entirely.  She  will  be  much  happier 
by  continuing  to  be  mistress  of  her  own  household. 
Large  ventilated  rooms,  and  pure  air  are  of  the  utmost 
importance. 

Great  cleanliness  should  also  be  strictly  practiced. 
It  is  essential  that  the  pores  in  the  skin  should  be  kept 
constantly  open,  a  healthy  and  even  circulation  induced, 
and  an  equilibrium  kept  up  as  much  as  possible  through- 
out the  system.  The  body  should  be  washed  from  head 
to  foot  once  every  day  in  moderately  cold  water,  taking 
particular  pains  afterwards  to  rub  it  quite  dry,  or  a 
tepid  bath  can  be  taken  every  two  or  three  days. 

Another  important  point  which  should  by  no  means 
be  overlooked  is  dress.  We  occasionally  see  mothers 
whp  attempt  to  conceal  the  rotundity  of  their  form 
either  from  shame  or  some  other  reason,  with  tight 
dresses  and  corsets  tightly  laced.  For  a  married  woman 
in  this  situation,  to  be  ashamed  of  her  form,  bespeaks  a 
weakness  of  which  I  trust  but  very  few  of  my  coun- 
try-women are  guilty.  What  situation  in  life  is  there 
more  holy,  and  in  the  name  of  heaven,  what  is  there  in 
her  situation  for  which  a  pure  and  virtuous  woman 


850  DISEASES    OF  WOMEN. 


should  be  ashamed.  The  dress  should  be  made  perfectly 
easy,  either  warm  or  cool  as  the  weather  may  indicate, 
fitting  lightly  to  the  body.  The  slightest  compression 
of  the  abdomen  and  chest  should  be  avoided,  so  that  the 
utmost  freedom  may  be  given  to  the  organs  and  muscles 
of  respiration.  Dr.  Eberle  in  speaking  of  this  subject, 
makes  use  of  the  following  excellent  remarks.  "  The 
custom  of  wearing  tightly  laced  corsets  during  gesta- 
tion cannot  be  too  severely  censured.  It  must  be  evi- 
dent to  the  plainest  understanding,  that  serious  injury 
to  the  health  of  both  mother  and  child  must  often  result 
from  a  continual  and  forcible  compression  of  the  abdomen, 
whilst  nature  is  at  work  in  gradually  enlarging  it  for  the 
accommodation  and  development  of  the  foetus.  By  this 
unnatural  practice,  the  circulation  of  the  blood  through- 
out the  abdomen  is  impeded,  a  circumstance  which,  to- 
gether with  the  mechanical  compression  of  the  abdominal 
organs,  is  peculiarly  calculated  to  give  rise  to  functional 
disorders  of  the  stomach  and  liver,  as  well  as  to  haemor- 
rhoids, uterine  haemorrhage,  and  abortion.  The  regular 
nourishment  of  the  foetus  also  is  generally  impeded  in 
this  way ;  a  fact  which  is  frequently  verified  in  the  re- 
markably delicate  and  emaciated  conditions  of  infants 
born  of  mothers  who  have  practiced  this  fashionable 
folly  during  gestation.  It  may  be  observed,  that  since 
the  custom  of  wearing  tightly  laced  corsets  has  become 
general  among  females,  certain  forms  of  uterine  disease 
are  much  more  frequent  than  they  were  sixteen  or  eigh- 
teen years  ago." 

Lycurgus,  whose  laws  were  sometimes  a  little  arbi- 
trary, although  generally  characterized  by  sterling  sense, 
ordained  a  law,  that  pregnant  women  should  wear  wide, 
loose  clothing,  and  a  similar  law  prevailed  among  the 
Romans.  By  attending  particularly  to  dress,  mothers 
would  not  only  escape  much  of  the  pain  of  child-birth, 
but  find  themselves  after  the  crisis  had  passed,  more 


PREGNANCY.  851 


quickly  convalescent,  and  without  those  lingering  and 
prostrating  complaints,  which  do  so  much  to  undermine 
the  constitution. 

DIET. — A  proper  diet  is  all-important.  Food  should 
be  plain,  simple  and  nourishing,  easy  of  digestion,  and 
free  from  exciting  and  highly  stimulating  compounds. 
The  idea  generally  prevails  that  as  the  growth  of  another 
being  depends  on  the  food  taken  by  the  mother,  the 
amount  of  food  should  be  greatly  increased,  and  to  satisfy 
this  double  demand  of  nature,  a  very  generous  diet 
should  be  substituted  for  the  ordinary  manner  of  living 
Hence  mothers  are  often  urged  to  drink  porter,  and  par- 
take freely  of  stimulating  food,  spurring  on  the  appetite 
when  it  lags,  by  some  new  delicacy.  They  forget  that 
notwithstanding  there  is  an  increased  expenditure  of 
substance  necessary  for  the  development  of  the  child  in 
the  mother's  womb,  yet  nature  which  understands  its 
duty  perfectly  well,  has  in  a  measure  provided  for  it,  by 
suppressing  the  usual  periodical  discharge,  which  ceases 
at  the  close  of  the  period  of  child-bearing.  Nature  we 
have  said  understands  her  duty,  but  we  must  be  careful 
not  to  confound  her  voice  with  the  whisperings  of  a 
morbid  appetite  and  imagination,  indicative  of  disease. 
When  during  gestation  the  general  health,  the  appetite 
and  digestion  improves,  an  increase  of  food  would  not 
only  be  advantageous  but  highly  necessary.  As  a  general 
thing,  where  the  diet  has  been  plain,  simple  and  suffi- 
ciently nourishing,  no  increase  or  change  is  necessary. 
There  may  be  a  morbid  appetite,  but  unless  the  health 
and  digestive  powers  improve,  if  the  appetite  is  indulged 
in  to  its  full  extent,  and  even  stimulated,  as  is  often  the 
case,  exactly  contrary  to  the  object  aimed  at  will  be 
gained,  the  stomach  will  be  overloaded  with  food  it  can- 
not digest,  and  the  appetite  will  either  give  way,  or  a 
long  train  of  painful  symptoms  follow,  such  as,  nausea, 
heart-burn,  colic,  constipation,  and  piles,  disagreeable 


352  DISEASES    OF   WOMEN. 

breath  and  perspiration,  difficulties  which  the  mother  is 
accustomed  to  bear  in  righteous  resignation  as  a  part  of 
her  lot.  Even  if  the  digestion  should  remain  unimpair- 
ed, and  larger  amount  of  nourishment  is  taken  into  the 
system  than  is  necessary,  a  sense  of  fullness  will  follow, 
producing  difficulties  about  the  head  or  some  other 
organ,  and  not  unfrequently  miscarriage. 

There  is  less  danger  of  running  to  the  opposite  extreme 
u.nd  taking  too  little  food  in  this  country,  than  among 
some  of  the  thickly  populated  districts  of  the  old  world. 
There,  where  life  is  a  continual  struggle  for  bread,  and 
where  hundreds  die  from  a  want  of  the  proper  nourish- 
ment, the  babe  is  often  born  weak  and  puny,  and  the 
mother  from  lack  of  nourishment  herself  is  unable  to 
furnish  it  to  her  child,  and  the  poor  child  dies  of  what 
the  world  is  pleased  to  call  some  infantile  disease,  but 
which  in  reality  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  starvation. 
In  our  own  happy  country  there  are  but  very  few  who 
cannot  obtain  the  necessaries  of  life.  It  makes  but  little 
difference  whether  the  system  lacks  nourishment  either 
from  a  want  of  food,  or  from  too  great  abundance  of  it, 
so  as  to  impair  the  organs  of  digestion  and  render  them 
unable  to  perform  their  functions  aright. 

Longings,  which  are  so  often  observed  in  pregnant 
females  for  strange  and  even  ridiculous  things,  by  many 
are  watched  with  a  great  deal  of  interest,  and  the  ab- 
solute necessity  of  indulging  them  for  fear  of  producing 
an  effect  on  the  child,  is  considered  an  important  duty. 
Sometimes  an  urgent  desire  is  felt  to  eat  earth,  or  feast 
on  a  tallow  candle,  and  a  hundred  such  unnatural  whims. 
I  need  not  say  that  these  longings  are  peculiar  to  deli- 
cate, irritable,  and  nervous  women,  whose  minds  are  un- 
,  in  Cloyed  ;  we  should  hardly  expect  to  find  them  in  the 
healthy  woman,  whose  mind  is  employed  and  made 
cheerful  by  reading,  conversation,  or  any  healthy  exer- 
cise. The  proper  remedy  is,  not  to  gratify  the  whim — 


MORNING  SICKNESS.  353 


unless  it  be  for  some  harmless  thing ;  for  longings  of  this 
kind  are  common  to  all — that  would  only  tend  to  in- 
crease the  disease ;  but  to  make  use  of  plain  and  simple 
food,  such  as  the  stomach  can  easily  digest,  and  above 
all,  give  pleasant  employment  to  the  mind,  take  moderate 
exercise,  and  be  as  cheerful  as  possible. 

DERANGEMENTS  DURING  PREGNANCY. 

In  about  nine  months,  or  two  hundred  and  seventy 
days  from  the  time  of  conception,  labor  commences,  ter- 
minating in  the  birth  of  the  child.  The  child  may  be 
born,  however,  as  early  as  the  seventh  month,  and  yet 
live,  and  in  some  cases  nine  months  and  a  half  may 
elapse  before  the  birth  of  the  child.  In  the  latter  case, 
labor  is  more  difficult  on  account  of  the  increased  size 
of  the  child.  But  delivery  earlier  or  later  than  two 
hundred  and  seventy  days,  is  an  exception  to  the  general 
rule,  and  is  attended  with  more  or  less  danger  to  the 
mother  or  child. 

During  pregnancy,  the  female  is  liable  to  numerous 
troublesome  affections,  some  of  which  we  shall  now  enu- 
merate. 

MORNING  SICKNESS. 

In  most  females,  nausea,  vomiting,  and  heart-burn  are 
present,  some  portion  of  the  time  during  their  preg- 
nancy. They  generally  come  on  about  the  fourth  or 
fifth  week  after  conception,  and  continue  for  ten  or 
twelve  weeks,  when  they  make  their  exit  to  return  again 
during  the  last  month.  In  some  few  cases  they  do  not 
appear  at  all,  and  in  others  continue  through  the  whole 
period.  They  generally  come  on  in  the  morning  shortly 
after  getting  out  of  bed,  last  two  or  three  hours,  and 
perhaps  re-appear  in  the  evening  for  the  same  length  of 
time. 

TREATMENT. — In  the  acid  stomach,  and  nausea  during 


354  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

pregnancy,  I  have  found  great  benefit  from  the  use  of 
weak  lemon-acid  or  sweet  cider  taken  a  little  at  a  time. 

Ipecac,  will  produce  relief,  where  there  is  bilious 
vomiting,  or  vomiting  of  drink  and  undigested  food,  or 
nausea  and  vomiting,  with  uneasiness  in  the  stomach. 

N^ux-v. — Nausea  or  vomiting  in  the  morning ;  acid 
and  bitter  eructations,  hiccough,  heartburn ;  sensation 
of  weight  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach ;  depraved  appetite 
or  craving  for  chalk,  earth,  &c.  Constipation  and  irri- 
table temper. 

Pulmtilla. — Nausea  after  a  meal ;  vomiting  of  food, 
heartburn,  eructations  bitter  or  acid ;  depraved  appetite, 
a  longing  for  acids,  beer,  wine,  &c. 

Arsenicum. — Excessive  vomiting  after  eating  or  drink- 
ing, with  attacks  of  fainting ;  prostration  and  emacia- 
tion. 

Natrum-mur. — In  obstinate  cases  where  there  is  loss 
of  appetite,  waterbrash,  acid  stomach,  &c.  Particularly 
after  Nitx. 

DOSE  . — A  powder,  or  six  globules  of  the  selected  remedy  may  be 
given  morning  and  night.  If  the  liquid  is  administered,  two  drops 
may  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablospoonful  given  at 
the  same  intervals.  When  the  symptoms  are  exceedingly  violent 
and  long-continued,  the  remedy  may  be  given  once  in  three  hours 
until  relieved. 

CONSTIPATION. 

During  pregnancy,  the  bowels  are  very  liable  to  be- 
come constipated.  As  •  a  general  thing,  the  difficulty 
may  be  controlled  by  taking  moderate  exercise  in  the 
open  air,  and  eating  freely  of  brown  bread  and  ripe  fruits. 
Should  the  constipation  still  continue,  a  few  doses  of 
the  appropriate  remedy  will  produce  relief,  unless  it  is 
occasioned  by  mechanical  obstruction. 

Nu&w. — Particularly  where  there  are  symptoms  of  de- 
rangement of  the  stomach,  headache,  and  sometimes  fre- 
quent inclination  for  stool,  without  result. 

or  Tgnatia  may  follow  Nux,  or  be  taken  in 


DIARRHCEA. VERTIGO    AND    HEADACHE.  855 

alternation  with  it,  one  in  the  morning,  and  the  other 
at  night. 

Opium,  Sulphur,  and  Lycopodium  are  also  valuable 
remedies. 

For  particular  indications,  see  Constipation. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhosa  occasionally  occurs  during  pregnancy,  when 
it  should  be  speedily  checked,  or  the  strength  may  be- 
come prostrated,  Lycopodium,  Sulphur,  Nux-v.,  Dulca- 
mara, and  Ipecac,  are  prominent  remedies. 

For  particular  indications,  see  Diarrhoea. 
VERTIGO  AND  HEADACHE. 

There  are  frequently  giddiness,  fullness  or  pain  in 
the  head  during  pregnancy.  There  is  sometimes  sensa- 
tion of  weight  on  the  top  of  the  head,  or  in  the  back  of 
the  neck;  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  great  nervous 
excitability.  The  symptoms  are  generally  worse  in  the 
morning.  The  prominent  remedies  are,  Aconite,  JVux-v., 
Belladonna,  Opium,  Platvna,  Pulsatilla,  and  Sulphur. 

Aconite  is  indicated  in  persons  of  plethoric  habit,  and 
nervous  temperament,  especially  if  there  is  giddiness  on 
rising  from  a  seat  as  if  intoxicated,  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head,  stupefying  pain,  redness  of  the  eyes, 
and  intolerance  of  light. 

Belladonna—  Congestion  to  the  head;  pain  in  the 
forehead,  over  the  eyes,  and  in  the  top  of  the  head ; 
throbbing  in  the  temples,  redness  of  the  eyes,  and  in- 
tolerance of  light  and  noise. 

Nux-v. — Particularly  in  persons  of  a  sedentary  habit, 
worse  in  the  morning,  and  relieved  in  the  open  air ; 
giddiness  and  feeling  of  confusion  in  the  head,  or  jerking, 
tearing,  or  periodical  pains;  constipation;  acid  or  bitter 
taste. 

For  particular  indications  of  other  remedies,  consult 
Headache. 


356  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 


DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  may  be  taken  once  in  three 
or  four  hours  ;  or  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  may  be  mixed  with 
a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonful  taken  at  the  same  intervals. 

FAINTING  AND  HYSTERIC  FITS. 

These  are  very  common  in  persons  of  nervous  tem- 
perament and  delicate  constitution.  They  are  generally 
unattended  with  danger,  and  pass  over  in  a  short  time- 
The  causes  which  produce  them  should  be  carefully 
avoided.  During  the  attack,  the  face  should  be  sprink- 
led with  cold  water,  and  fresh  air  freely  admitted. 

Bdladonna  and  Aconite,  may  be  given  in  alternation, 
six  or  twelve  hours  apart,  in  plethoric  individuals,  or 
where  there  is  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head. 

Chanwrnilla^  when  the  attack  is  produced  by  a  fit  of 
anger. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a 
tablespoonful  once  in  six  or  twelve  hours  ;  or  three  globules,  at  the 
same  intervals.  During  the  severity  of  the  attack  the  remedy  may 
be  given  every  half  hour. 

Nux-vom. — When  produced  by  derangement  of  the 
digestive  organs. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla. 

Coffea. — Great  nervous  excitability;  spasmodic  pain 
in  the  bowels,  oppressed  respiration,  cold  perspiration. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla.     Give  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Pulsatilla. — Disposition  to  hysteria ;  depression  of 
spirits,  &c. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla 

Ignatia. — Severe  headache  as  if  a  nail  were  driven  into 
the  head  ;  sadness,  concealed  melancholy  and  sighing. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Chamomilla.     Give  at  first  once  in  three  hours. 

Consult  also  Hysteria. 

TOOTHACHE. 

This  is  of  very  common  occurrence  during  pregnancy, 
frequently  commencing  in  a  sound  tooth,  extending  to 
the  whole  set,  and  the  pain  sometimes  shooting  to  the 


VARICOSE   VEINS.  357 


face  and  head.  The  pain  is  exceedingly  severe,  some- 
times making  the  patient  almost  delirious. 

The  prominent  remedies  are,  Calcarea,  Sepia,  JBella- 
donna,  Merourius,  Staphysagria,  Nux-vom.,  Chamomilla, 
and  Pulsatilla. 

For  particular  indications,  see  Toothache. 

PRURITIS. 

During  pregnancy,  the  female  is  occasionally  annoyed 
with  excessive  itching  in  the  privates,  sometimes  so 
violent  as  to  hring  on  miscarriage.  It  is  generally  oc- 
casioned by  an  acrid  or  vitiated  secretion  of  the  walls  of 
the  vagina.  Sometimes  the  parts  are  covered  with  a 
white  substance,  resembling  the  thrush  of  infants,  and 
is  easily  rubbed  off;  or  the  parts  may  assume  a  dark  red 
hue,  accompanied  by  a  thin  watery  secretion,  and  the 
most  intolerable  itching. 

The  parts  should  by  frequently  bathed  with  cold 
water.  A  weak  solution  of  borax  in  water,  applied  three 
or  four  times  a  day,  will  generally  remove  the  itching, 
without  the  aid  of  other  remedies.  /Sepia,  Silicea,  Sul- 
phur, and  RJius,  may  also  be  consulted.  See  Materia 
Medica.  Injections  of  green  tea  are  also  benefit. 

VARICOSE  VEINS. 

This  disease  is  not  confined  to  the  period  of  pregnancy, 
although  it  most  commonly  occurs  at  that  time.  It 
seldom  occurs  in  first  pregnancy,  but  in  subsequent 
pregnancies  it  is  liable  to  come  on  the  first  months. 

It  consists  of  a  distension  and  dilation  of  the  super- 
ficial veins,  which  at  first  assume  a  reddish  hue,  but 
afterwards  a  bluish  or  leaden  color.  They  become  larger 
from  standing  on  the  feet  or  allowing  the  limb  to  hang. 
They  generally  commence  in  the  ankle,  and  are  usually 
confined  to  one  both  of  the  lower  limbs.  After  delivery, 
the  pressure  of  the  pregnant  uterus  on  the  large  veins 


358  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 


of  the  abdomen  being  removed,  the  swelling  disappear!, 
ami  the  veins  regain  their  natural  size.  When  the  dis- 
tension is  slight,  it  is  not  painful,  but  if  it  should  con- 
tinue to  increase,  it  may  not  only  become  painful,  but 
the  veins  may  burst. 

If  the  limb  should  be  painful,  the  patient  must  remain 
in  a  recumbent  position  a  few  days.  It  may  be  neces- 
sary also  to  apply  the  laced  stocking,  or  bandage  the  limb. 
If  this  is  done,  it  should  be  applied  in  the  morning  when 
the  veins  are  the  least  distended,  commencing  at  the 
toes  and  progressing  upwards  with  a  gentle  and  equal 
pressure. 

If  medicines  are  required,  Arnica^  Nusc-v.,  or  Pti'-^i- 
tilla  may  be  given,  commencing  with  the  first,  and  giving 
six  globules  every  other  night  for  a  week,  and  then, 
unless  relieved,  following  with  the  next  in  the  same 
manner. 

HAEMORRHOIDS.     PILES. 

This  troublesome  affection  is  not  confined  to  pregnancy, 
although  it  frequently  occurs  then  and  after  delivery,  in 
those  who  are  never  troubled  with  it  any  other  time. 
It  is  occasioned  by  the  pressure  of  the  impregnated 
uterus  on  the  haemorrhoidal  artery  and  the  veins  of  the 
abdomen. 

For  treatment,  see  Haemorrhoids. 

PAINS  IN  THE  BACK  AND  SIDE. 

An  aching  pain  or  a  dull  heavy  pressure  in  the  small 
of  the  back  or  in  the  side,  just  under  the  short  ribs,  is 
often  experienced  during  pregnancy,  particularly  between 
the  fifth  and  the  eighth  month. 

The  pain  in  the  back  will  generally  be  relieved  by  a 
few  powders  of  Kali-carl).^  taken  at  intervals  of  twelve 
hours.  Should  other  remedies  ^  be  required,  Bryonia, 
Rhus,  Belladonna,  Pulsatilla,  or  Nux  may  be  selected, 
giving  a  dose  every  night,  and  changing  it,  if  after  the 


MISCARRIAGE.  359 


expiration  of  four  or  five  doses  no  relief  has  been  ob- 
tained. 

For  pain  in  the  side,  Aconite,  Chamomilla,  Pulsatilla, 
Bryonia,  or  Phosphor  will  produce  relief,  given  as 
directed  above. 

CRAMPS . 

We  frequently  find  this  painful  affection  coming  on 
about  the  fourth  or  fifth  month,  and  again  towards  the 
end  of  pregnancy ;  they  may  attack  the  muscles  of  the 
abdomen,  hips,  back,  and  the  lower  extremities. 

When  they  attack  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen,  Bella- 
donna, Pulsatilla,  or  Wux-v.,  will  produce  relief. 

The  back :  Ignatia,  Opium,  or  Ithus. 

The  hips  :  Colocynth,  or  Stramonium. 

The  thighs :  Hyosciamus. 

The  legs :  Calcarea,  Chamomilla^  Nux-v.,  or  Sulphur. 

The  remedy  may  be  taken,  when  there  is  predisposi- 
tion to  cramps,  every  night,  and  also  on  the  first  in- 
dications of  their  approach.  For  particular  indications, 
see  Materia  Medica. 

DERANGEMENTS  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

There  is  often,  during  pregnancy  incontinence  of  urine, 
frequent  desire  to  pass  water,  sometimes  attended  with 
pain. 

For  the  more  general  treatment  of  the  various  affec- 
tions of  the  urinary  organs,  see  affections  of  those  organs. 

For  other  affections  of  pregnancy,  see  their  respective 
headings  in  their  appropriate  place. 

Inability  to  retain  the  water  will  generally  be  relieved 
by  Pulsatilla  given  every  four  hours. 

MISCARRIAGE. 

Miscarriage  may  occur  at  any  period  during  gestation 
but  is  more  frequent  about  the  third  or  fourth  month. 
If  it  occurs  after  the  sixth  month,  it  is  called  premature 


360  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 


labor.  Miscarriage  coming  on  at  a  late  period,  is  often 
attended  with  considerable  danger,  and  where  a  female 
has  miscarried  once,  there  is  a  great  liability  of  its  re- 
currence. 

The  causes  are  numerous,  but  the  most  common  are, 
dissipation,  such  as  a  free  use  of  stimulating  food  and 
drinks,  and  late  hours ;  a  too  sedentary  mode  of  life, 
neglecting  to  take  exercise  or  fresh  air;  great  physical 
exertion ;  purgative  drugs ;  violent  and  sudden  mental 
excitement;  and  mechanical  injuries,  such  as  a  fall  or 
a  blow. 

The  attack  is  generally  preceded  by  certain  symptoms, 
which  if  taken  in  time,  may  sometimes  be  controlled, 
and  the  miscarriage  prevented.  The  precursory  symp- 
toms are  usually  chilliness  followed  by  fever,  and  bear- 
ing-down pains ;  pains  in  the  abdomen  or  loins,  and  pains 
resembling  labor-pains  ;  discharge  of  mucus  and  blood, 
sometimes  followed  by  emission  of  a  watery  fluid. 

At  the  first  symptom  of  an  approach  of  the  attack 
the  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  recumbent  position, 
and  remain  there  as  quiet  as  possible  until  all  danger  is 
over.  A  physician  of  course  should  be  obtained  as 
speedily  as  possible. 

TREATMENT. — Ai*nica  should  be  given  when  the  symp- 
toms arise  from  a  fall  or  blow  or  from  great  physical 
exertion, 

Sceale. — Constant  expulsive  efforts  with  profuse  dis- 
charge of  dark  liquid  blood,  followed  by  debility ;  and 
also  where  miscarriage  has  occurred  before,  and  in  de- 
bilitated persons. 

Sabina. — Dragging  and  forcing  pains  extending  to  the 
back  and  loins,  with  profuse  discharge  of  bright  red 
blood. 

ChamomiUa,  particularly  when  occasioned  by  a  fit  oi 
passion ;  also  were  the  pains  are  periodical,  and  are 
followed  by  a  discharge  of  dark  colored  or  coagulated 


PARTURITION.  361 


blood,  or  blood  mixed  mith  mucus ;  violent  pain  in  the 
bowels ;  coldness  and  shivering. 

Crocus,  particularly  in  protracted  cases  and  where 
there  is  a  discharge  of  dark  clotted  blood  brought  on  by 
the  slightest  motion. 

Ilyosciamus  should  be  given  where  there  are  spasms 
and  convulsions  of  the  whole  body,  with  loss  of  con- 
sciousness. 

China. — In  weak  and  exhausted  persons,  and  where 
there  are  spasmodic  pains  in  the  uterus,  or  bearing-down 
pain  with  discharge  of  blood  at  intervals;  giddiness, 
fainting,  coldness  of  the  extremities  and  prostration. 

Ipecac. — Spasms  but  without  loss  of  consciousness ; 
continuous  discharge  of  bright  red  blood  with  pressing 
downward  ;  nausea  or  vomiting,  pain  in  the  abdomen  and 
sometimes  faintness. 

Belladonna. — Particularly  in  the  commencement  and 
where  there  are  violent  bearing-down  pains ;  severe  pain 
in  the  abdomen,  loins,  *md  small  of  the  back ;  flushed 
face  and  profuse  discharge  of  blood. 

Platina. — If  Ipecac,  fails  to  relieve  and  where  there 
are  pressing  bearing  down  pains ;  pain  in  the  back  pass- 
ing into  the  groins,  and  discharge  of  dark,  thick  or 
clotted  blood. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  of  the  selected  remedy,  or  twelve  globules, 
in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful,  where  the  attack  is  urgent, 
every  half  hour  or  hour ;  or  six  globules  may  be  taken  on  the  tongue 
at  the  same  intervals. 

For  further  directions  as  it  regards  flooding,  see  Menor- 
rhagia. 

PARTURITION. 

In  about  270  days  after  impregnation,  labor  generally 
commences.  There  are  certain  signs  by  which  the  female 
is  able  to  calculate  with  tolerable  certainty  about  the 
time  she  may  expect  to  be  confined.  Perhaps  the  most 

16 


362  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 


correct  mode  of  calculating  is,  280  *  days  from  the  last 
menstrual  period  till  confinement;  another  calculation 
is,  from  the  period  of  quickening,  or  the  first  sensation 
of  fetal  life,  which  is  usually  perceived  about  four  months 
and  a  half  after  conception.  During  the  last  month 
also  the  child  sinks  lower  down  in  the  abdomen,  and  the 
waist  becomes  smaller.  As  the  time  approaches  when 
a  woman  expects  to  be  confined  she  of  course  sees  that 
every  thing  necessary  for  the  occasion  is  prepared,  and 
placed  convenient  and  in  order,  so  that  at  the  time  every- 
thing may  be  in  readiness,  and  all  confusion  avoided. 
Previous  to  the  setting  in  of  labor  she  frequently  suffers 
from  what  are  called. 

FALSE  PAINS. 

These  do  not  always  exist,  and  when  they  do,  they 
usually  precede  labor  but  a  few  hours ;  sometimes  how- 
ever they  come  on  days  and  even  weeks  before  delivery- 
They  differ  from  labor-pains  in  being  unconnected  with 
uterine  contractions,  not  increasing  in  intensity  as  they 
return,  and  are  principally  confined  to  the  abdomen.  If 
medicines  are  required,  a  few  doses  of  Bfyonia,  JVux-v., 
Pulsatilla,  or  Dulcamara,  will  generally  be  sufficient. 

Bnjonia  may  be  given  if  the  pains  in  the  abdomen 
are  followed  by  dragging  pain  in  the  back  and  loins, 
with  constipation  and  irritable  temper.  Nux-v.  where 
there  are  similar  symptoms  to  those  indicated  by  Bryonia, 
also  a  bruised  sensation  in  the  region  of  the  pubis. 
Pulsatilla  where  there  are  pains  in  the  abdomen  or  loins, 

*  The  reason  for  calculating  280  days  from  the  last  menstrual  period  is,  that 
conception  usually  takes  place  within  ten  days  after  tho  monthly  period.  About 
the  time  of  tho  monthly  period  tho  ovaries  throw  off  the  ripened  and  perfected 
i, r  ii  7ii  which  is  seized  by  tho  fimbriatcd  extremity  of  the  fallopian  tubes  and  pass 
ed  into  the  womb.  If  the  healthy  semen  of  the  male  comes  in  contact  with  the 
ovum  before  it  is  discharged  from  the  womb,  which  usually  takes  place  in  eight 
or  ten  days  after  the  monthly  puriud,  impregnation  takes  place.  This  is  the  ge- 
neral rule,  although  sometimes  impregnation  may  take  place  at  any  time. 


CRAMPS,  CONVULSIONS,  AND  SPASMODIC  PAINS.  363 

with  stiffness  and  painful  dragging  and  aching  in  the 
thighs.  Dulcamara  where  the  pains  are  seated  in  the 
small  of  the  back,  and  are  the  result  of  a  cold  or  damp- 
ness ;  and  Belladonna  where  the  pains  are  of  a  spasmodic 
character. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  of  the  selected  remedy  may 
be  mixed  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a  tablespoonsful  taken  once  in 
three  or  four  hours. 

LABOR. 

Preceding  labor  there  are  often  premonitory  symptoms, 
such  as,  nervous  trembling,  sadness,  looseness  of  the 
bowels,  flying  pains  through  the  abdomen,  frequent  in- 
clination to  pass  water,  followed  by  a  slight  discharge  of 
reddish  mucus.  But  at  length  pains,  bearing  down, 
come  on  at  regular  intervals,  gradually  increasing  in  in- 
tensity and  frequency  until  the  little  being  is  ushered 
into  the  world.  During  the  progress  of  the  labor,  cold 
water  may  be  taken  if  desired.  As  the  labor  progresses 
there  may  be 

CRAMPS,  CONVULSIONS,  AND  SPASMODIC  PAINS. 

Chamomilla  may  be  given,  where  the  pains  are  acute, 
and  are  attended  with  spasms. 

Belladonna,  if  there  are  violent  bearing-down  pains, 
with  convulsive  movements  of  the  limbs,  congestion  to 
the  head,  red  and  bloated  face. 

Uyosciamus,  where  there  are  severe  convulsions,  with 
loss  of  consciousness,  anguish,  cries,  and  oppression  of 
the  chest. 

Stramonium. — Trembling  of  the  limbs  and  convul- 
sions without  loss  of  consciousness. 

Cocculus. — Cramps  and  convulsions  in  the  limbs  and 
the  whole  body ;  cramps  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdo- 
men. 


364  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

TREATMENT  AFTEll  DELIVERY. 

After  delivery  the  patient  should  remain  perfectly 
quiet,  and  be  made  as  comfortable  as  possible,  without 
disturbing  her.  At  the  expiration  of  one  hour  or  two,  if 
every  thing  goes  on  well,  she  may  be  changed,  and  put 
to  bed.  If  flooding  sets  in  after  delivery,  see  Menor- 
rhagia. 

AFTER    PAINS. 

These  pains  come  on  after  delivery  and  are  more  and 
more  severe  after  each  successive  labor,  seldom  occur- 
ring with  first  children.  They  are  occasioned  by  the 
efforts  of  nature  to  expel  the  clots  of  blood  which  may 
remain  in  the  womb,  and  where  they  are  not  very  violent 
nor  of  long  duration,  no  treatment  is  necessary.  Should, 
however,  they  be  very  severe  and  long-continued,  one  of 
the  following  remedies  will  produce  relief. 

Arnica  should  be  first  given,  followed  after  three  or 
four  doses,  if  necessary,  by  Pulsatilla.  If  relief  is  not 
soon  obtained,  and  the  pains  are  severe,  accompanied 
with  great  restlessness,  Nux-v,  and  Chamomilla  may  be 
taken  in  alternation,  Secede  and  Cuprum  may  be  alter- 
nated, where  the  pains  are  very  violent,  especially  in 
those  who  have  borne  many  children. 

DOSE. — Two  drops,  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  a  tablespoonful  once 
in  one  or  two  hours ;  or  six  globules  on  the  tongue  in  the  same  inter- 
vals. 

DURATION  OF  CONFINEMENT. 

The  first  five  or  six  days  should  be  spent  in  bed,  dur- 
ing which  time  the  mother  should  remain  perfectly  quiet, 
her  food  of  a  light  farinaceous  character,  consisting  of 
toast,  black  tea,  panada,  farina,  roasted  apples,  &c.  At  the 
expiration  of  this  time  she  may  be  permitted  to  set  up 
a  little  while,  if  every  thing  goes  on  well,  increasing  the 
period  each  day.  If  the  secretion  of  milk  has  become 


THE   BREASTS.  365 

fairly  established,  and  all  febrile  symptoms  subsided,  her 
diet  may  gradually  assume  a  more  nourishing  and  sub- 
stantial character. 

There  is  generally  a  torpidity  of  the  bowels  for  several 
days,  but  this  should  create  no  alarm,  as  for  a  few  days, 
on  account  of  the  great  change  going  on  in  the  system, 
no  evacuation  is  necessary.  The  constipation  can  as  a 
general  thing  be  controlled  by  the  food,  which  should 
consist  in  part  of  fruit,  such  as  roasted  apples.  If  there 
should  be  no  movement  after  four  or  five  days,  three  or 
four  doses  of  Bryonia,  at  intervals  of  four  hours,  fol- 
lowed if  necessary  by  JVitx,  or  Sulphur,  will  usually 
produce  relief.  If  however  after  two  or  three  days  no 
relief  is  obtained,  a  tepid  water  injection  may  be  given. 
The  diarrhoea  which  sets  in  sometimes  after  delivery,  will 
be  relieved  by  a  few  doses  of  Rheum,  Phos,-ac.,  or 
Pulsatilla,  and  if  occasioned  by  a  cold,  Dulcamara, 
given  at  intervals  of  four  hours. 

THE   BREASTS. 

If,  for  several  weeks  previous  to  the  birth  of  the  child, 
particular  attention  is  given  to  the  breasts,  much  future 
suffering  and  trouble  may  by  avoided.  The  breasts 
should  be  bathed  with  cold  water  daily,  and  afterwards 
rubbed  dry.  Should  there  be  tenderness  or  slight  ex- 
coriation, they  may  be  bathed  with  weak  brandy  and 
water  twice  a  day.  Should  there  be  aching  pain  in  the 
nipples,  a  few  doses  of  Aconite  may  be  given.  If  there 
are  cracks  or  excoriations,  a  powder  of  Silicea  may  be 
taken  in  the  morning,  and  Hepar  at  night. 

A  very  excellent  application  for  sore  nipples  is  Calen- 
dula, six  drops  in  two  tablespoonful  of  water,  in  which 
a  cloth  may  be  wet  and  placed  on  the  parts. 

MILK   FEVER. 

About  the  third  day  after  delivery,  the  breasts  become 
filled  with  milk.  The  fever  which  usually  attends  this 


366  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

profuse  secretion,  generally  lasts  but  two  or  three  days, 
and  is  called  the  "  milk  fever"  As  a  general  thing,  it 
passes  off  without  serious  injury,  requiring  no  other  treat- 
ment than  good  and  careful  nursing.  Should,  however, 
there  be  much  soreness  and  hardness  of  the  breasts,  they 
may  be  bathed  two  or  three  times  a  day,  with  a  lotion 
composed  of  six  drops  of  Arnica,  to  a  tablespoonful  of 
water. 

If  considerable  fever  is  present,  attended  with  restless- 
ness, and  also  if  the  breasts  are  knotted  and  hard,  a  few 
doses  of  Aconite  may  be  given,  at  intervals  of  two  or 
three  hours.  JBrrjonia  may  follow  Aconite,  if  that  is 
insufficient,  and  should  there  be  oppression  of  the  chest, 
and  pain  in  the  head.  Pulsatilla  or  Rlius  may  be  giv- 
en, should  there  be  heat  and  hardness  of  the  breasts, 
with  rheumatic  pains  in  the  chest  and  limbs.  If  the 
breasts  are  very  much  distended  and  painful,  they  may 
be  relieved  by  the  breast-pump. 

For  a  week  or  two  after  confinement  the  breasts  should 
be  closely  watched.  If  there  is  hardness  of  the  breasts 
or  lumps  form  in  them  in  addition  to  the  remedies  in- 
dicated above,  they  should  be  freely  rubbed  with  the  dry 
hand. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  on  the  tongue  or  two  drops,  in  a  tumbler 
of  water,  a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose. 

SUPPRESSED  SECRETION  OF  MILK. 

In  some  cases  there  is  a  deficiency  of  milk.  This  dif- 
ficulty may  generally  be  obviated  by  taking  nourishing 
food,  and  those  drinks  which  have  a  tendency  to  in- 
crease the  secretion  of  milk,  such  as,  milk,  milk-punch, 
or  beer. 

Again,  owing  to  some  mental  or  physisal  disturbance, 
there  may  be  a  suppressed  secretion  of  milk,  followed 
by  local  congestion,  determination  of  blood  to  the  Lc;i<l, 
&c.  In  these  cases,  Pulsatilla  should  be  immediately 


SORE   NIPPLES.  867 


given,  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half 
full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 
This  may  be  followed  after  three  or  four  doses,  if  neces- 
sary, by  Bryonia  and  Belladonna,  in  alternation  two 
hours  apart.  Should  there  be  in  connection  with  the 
above  symptoms,  considerable  fever,  together  with  great 
nervous  excitement, Aconite  and  Coffta  maybe  alternated 
as  above. 

SORE   NIPPLES. 

The  mother  is  frequently  tormented  with  sore  nipples, 
which  are  so  painful  as  to  render  it  almost  impossible 
to  nurse  her  child.  They  may  be  bathed  two  or  three 
times  a  day  with  weak  brandy  and  water,  or  alum- 
water,  or  with  a  lotion  composed  of  six  drops  of  Arnica 
or  Calendula,  to  a  tablespoonful  of  water,  taking  care 
however,  after  either  of  these  applications,  to  bathe  them 
with  tepid  milk  and  water  before  nursing.  If  there  is 
a  constant  pain,  Chamomilla  may  be  given  once  in  three 
or  four  hours,  until  relieved.  Should  suppuration  or 
ulceration  commence,  a  powder  of  Silicea  may  be  taken 
morning  and  night,  followed  in  four  or  five  days  if  neces- 
sary, by  Mercury,  Calcarea,  or  Hepar. 

GATHERED  BREAST.  AGUE  IN  THE  BREAST. 

The  mother  sometimes  suffers  severely  from  these 
troubles,  which  if  not  controlled,  may  produce  serious 
derangement  and  severe  suffering. 

Taken  in  the  commencement,  a  few  doses  of  Bryonia^ 
two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of 
water,  a  spoonful  every  two  hours,  will  generally  be 
sufficient.  Should,  however,  considerable  fever  set  in, 
and  the  breasts  be  swollen,  painful,  and  very  tender, 
Aconite  and  Belladonna  may  be  alternated,  two  hours 
apart ;  warm  cloths  also  may  be  applied,  or  Stramonium 
leaves  be  placed  over  the  breasts.  Should  gathering 


368  DISEASES    OF    WOMKN. 

or  suppuration  commence,  indicated  by  hard  swelling 
and  throbbing  pain,  flepar  and  Silicea,  may  be  given 
in  alternation,  a  powder,  six  hours  apart,  followed  if 
necessary  after  two  days,  by  Mercury  and  'Lachesis,  at 
the  same  intervals,  until  the  abscess  breaks.  When  the 
suppuration  has  pretty  well  advanced,  poultices  of  bread 
and  milk,  slippery  elm,  or  flax-seed  may  be  applied. 
If  the  pain  is  very  severe,  the  poultice  may  be  dusted 
over  with  powdered  Opium.  After  the  abscess  has 
opened,  give  a  powder  of  /Sulphur  every  night, 

THE    LOCH1A. 

This  discharge,  which  follows  confinement,  resembles 
at  first  menstruation,  but  gradually  grows  lighter  colored, 
becoming  before  it  ceases,  yellowish  or  whitish.  It  is 
sometimes  thin  and  scanty,  ceasing  in  a  few  days,  at 
others  profuse,  lasting  for  weeks,  but  its  general  dura- 
tion is  about  ten  days.  If  long-continued  and  very 
profuse,  it  weakens  the  system,  and  should  be  checked. 
If  it  ceases  too  soon,  and  at  the  same  time  there  is  a 
suppression  of  milk,  serious  disturbances  may  be  ap- 
prehended. 

If  it  is  long-continued  and  very  profuse,  see  M&nor- 
rhagia. 

When  it  is  suppressed :  Bryonia,  Pulsatilla,  Dulca- 
mara, Opium,  Platinn,  or  Belladonna,  will  be  required. 

Bryonia  is  indicated,  where  the  suppression  is  accom- 
panied by  severe  headache,  fullness  and  throbbing  in 
the  head,  and  aching  in  the  back. 

PulsatUla,  where  there  is  sudden  suppression  from 
mental  emotion,  or  dampness,  followed  by  fever,  head- 
ache, &c. 

Dulcamara,  when  occasioned  by  cold  or  dampness, 
in  alternation  with  Pulsatilla. 

Platina. — From  violent  mental  emotion,  with  great 
sensitiveness  of  the  sexual  organs. 


PEURPERAL   FEVER.  369 


DOSE. — Two  drops,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  once  in  four  hours. 

PUERPERAL  FEVER. 

This  fever,  sometimes  called  "Child-Bed  Fever"  is 
the  dread  of  mothers,  and  is  often  attended  with  serious 
danger.  A  physician  should  be  consulted  without  delay, 
for  if  allowed  to  go  on,  it  may  gain  a  fearful  ascen- 
dency. 

DiAGNosis.--The  attack  may  commence  even  before  de- 
livery, though  these  cases  are  rare,  but  they  generally 
are  developed  in  from  twenty-four  hours  to  three  days 
after.  The  attack  generally  comes  on  with  rigors  or 
shivering,  followed  by  thirst,  quickened  pulse,  and 
flushed  face.  The  pulse  during  the  disease  is  rapid, 
small  and  wiry,  varying  from  110  to  140  in  a  minute. 
To  these  symptoms  succeed,  pain  in  the  head,  coming 
on  gradually ;  nausea,  vomiting,  and  increased  sensibility 
about  the  uterus.  Pain  in  the  abdomen  soon  attracts 
notice,  generally  commencing  in  the  lower  part,  on  either 
side,  and  radiating  over  the  abdomen.  The  pain  at  first 
is,  attended  with  considerable  tenderness  of  a  portion 
of  the  abdomen,  which  becomes  very  great  as  the  in- 
flammation extends,  until  at  length  the  patient  may  not 
be  able  to  bear  the  slightest  pressure. 

There  is  generally  a  suppression  of  the  locMa,  and 
the  urine  is  usually  diminished  in  quantity,  turbid  or 
high-colored.  During  the  disease,  therft  may  be  present 
at  times,  great  excitement  of  the  nervous  system,  attend- 
ed with  spasms.  This  fever  frequently  prevails  as  an 
epidemic. 

TREATMENT. — It  will  be  impossible,  and  in  fact  it  would 
be  unnecessary,  to  go  into  the  details  of  treatment  here, 
as  the  watchful  care  of  the  physician  will  be  required 
to  arrest  its  progress. 

Aconite  should  commence  the  treatment,  in  alternation 
with  Bryonia  or  Belladonna.     The  specific  indication 
16* 


370  DISEASES    OF   WOMEN. 

for  Aconite  are,  fever  with  dry  burning  heat,  thirst  for 
cold  drinks,  redness  "of  the  face,  short  and  oppressed 
breathing;  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch,  and 
scanty,  bloody,  and  fetid  lochia. 

Belladonna. —  Distention  or  excessive  tenderness  of 
the  abdomen,  sometimes  with  shooting  and  digging 
pains;  spasmodic  colic;  painful  pressure  on  the  genital 
organs;  shivering  in  some  part  with  heat  in  others,  or 
burning  heat  with  redness  of  face ;  pressive  headache ; 
great  sleeplessness  with  agitation,  or  constant  inclination 
to  sleep,  or  delirium  and  other  cerebral  symptoms; 
scanty  lochia,  or  profuse  discharge  of  coagulated  and 
fetid  blood. 

Bryonia. — Sensitiveness  of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch 
on  the  slightest  movement;  constipation,  with  shooting 
pain  in  the  abdomen;  high  fever  with  great  thirst  for 
cold  drinks,  and  burning  heat  over  the  body. 

ChairwiniUa. — Particularly  where  the  fever  is  brought 
on  by  a  fit  of  passion,  or  a  chill,  and  where  the  lochia 
is  profuse,  abdomen  sensitive  to  the  touch,  colic-like 
labor-pains,  great  agitation  and  nervous  excitability. 

Nux.-w. — Sudden  disappearance  of  lochia,  with  heavi- 
ness and  burning  in  the  genital  organs ;  or  profuse  dis- 
charge with  severe  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  and 
difficulty  in  urinating.  Constipation;  nausea;  pain  in 
the  thighs  and  legs  with  numbness;  confusion  of  the 
head,  or  pressive  headache  with  vertigo. 

Rhu8)  is  a  valuable  remedy  where  there  is  great  rest- 
lessness, particularly  at  night,  and  where  the  white 
lochia  becomes  bloody,  with  discharge  of  clotted  blood. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  at  a  dose  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on  the 
tongue.  Give  once  in  one,  two,  or  three  hours. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  patient  should  be  kept  as 
quiet  as  possible,  and  everything  which  might  produce 
excitement,  be  strictly  prohibited.  The  diet  should  be 
similar  to  other  varieties  of  fever 


TREATMENT   OF   CHILDREN.  371 

CHAPTER    XII. 
TREATMENT   OF   CHILDREN. 

THE    INFANT. 

The  child,  while  in  the  womb,  is  in  reality  a  part  of 
the  mother,  receiving  its  nourishment  from  her  and  ex- 
isting in  a  kind  of  passive  state.  The  various  organs  of 
the  body  are  in  a  state  of  complete  repose,  becoming 
prepared  however  for  the  duties  they  will  have  to  per- 
form when  this  passive  state  is  over. 

The  muscles,  the  bones,  the  kidneys,  liver,  lungs, 
bowels,  and  the  whole  nervous  system  having  no  duties 
to  perform,  remain  in  a  state  of  almost  complete  repose. 
But  when  the  child  is  ushered  into  the  world,  it  imme- 
diately commences  a  new  existence.  Now  every  organ 
is  aroused  and  called  into  action.  The  lungs  move,  the 
bowels  act,  the  kidneys  perform  their  duty,  the  nervous 
system  begins  to  show  signs  of  action,  and  the  whole 
machinery  of  life  moves  on  in  harmony. 

Before,  surrounded  by  a  fluid  of  unvarying  warmth, 
and  nourished  by  the  mother's  blood;  now,  introduced 
into  a  colder  and  ever-changing  atmosphere  and  wrap- 
ped in  clothing,  however  soft  it  may  be,  still  subjecting 
it  to  much  harder  pressure  than  it  ever  before  sustained, 
and  compelled  to  digest  its  own  food  and  throw  out  its 
own  waste,  the  change  is  speedy,  and  the  effect  on  the 
system  necessarily  great.  The  very  suddenness  of  the 
change  is  necessary  to  call  into  action  the  organs  of  the 
body,  and  thus  secure  the  life  of  the  child.  If  respira- 
tion is  not  established  before  the  maternal  circulation 
ceases,  the  child  dies  as  if  from  suffocation. 

The  child  is  of  course  exceedingly  sensitive,  and  the 
shock  produced  by  the  sudden  transition  of  temperature 
from  98°  to  100°  in  the  mother's  womb,  to  65°  or  75°  in 


872  TREATMENT    OF   CHILDREN. 


the  atmosphere,  calls  into  activity  respiration.  The  effect 
produced  is  similar  to  the  panting  and  sighing,  which  al- 
most every  one  has  noticed  on  plunging  into  a  cold  bath. 
The  sensation  to  the  child  of  this  sudden  change  of 
temperature  is  so  disagreeable,  that  generally  the  first 
intimation  the  mother  has  that  her  child  is  living,  is  a 
lust  if  cry,  and  none  but  the  mother  can  tell  the  gushing 
love,  which  that  cry  awakens  in  her  heart,  or  its  quick 
pulsations  of  joy. 

The  extreme  sensitiveness  of  the  child  to  external  in- 
fluences is  its  greatest  safeguard.  Changes  of  tempera- 
ture, hard  or  harsh  clothing,  want  of  cleanliness,  and 
errors  in  food,  may  be  the  means,  however  trifling  they 
might  appear  to  the  more  hardy  frame,  of  producing 
local  disease.  Hence  the  child  gives  utterance  to  its 
complaint  in  a  warning  cry  of  distress,  the  only  way  in 
which  it  can  make  its  complaints  known. 

We  have  seen  in  a  preceding  chapter,  that  aside  from 
a  venous  and  arterial  circulation,  by  which  the  blood  is 
conveyed,  charged  with  nutrition  to  every  part  of  the 
system  and  returned  back  to  the  heart  charged  with  im- 
purities, there  is  a  pulmonary  circulation,  by  which  the 
dark  impure  venous  blood  is  thrown  into  the  lungs  from 
the  heart,  and  there,  changed  by  the  action  of  the  air 
in  the  air-cells,  having  received  the  elements  of  nutrition 
in  the  chyle,  conveyed  through  the  thoracic  duct,  be- 
comes arterialized,  and  is  thrown  into  the  right  side  of 
the  heart,  and  from  thence  conveyed  to  every  part  of 
the  system. 

In  the  unborn  child  the  pulmonary  circulation  does 
not  exist.  The  arterial  blood  is  received  direct  from 
the  mother,  and  as  respiration  does  not  exist,  there  is 
no  necessity  of  the  blood  passing  through  the  lungs. 
It  therefore  passes  directly  through,  from  the  right  to 
the  left  auricle  of  the  heart,  by  what  is  called  the  foramen 
ovale,  or  oval  hole.  With  the  first  gasp  of  the  child  on 


THE   INFANT.  373 


emerging  into  the  air,  the  muscles  of  respiration  begin 
to  act,  the  blood  passes  into  the  lungs,  and  a  new  cir- 
culation commences.  The  foramen  ovale,  no  longer  of 
any  use,  gradually  closes  up,  and  the  whole  volume  of 
blood  passes  through  the  lungs.  Heretofore  the  child 
has  lived  through  the  mother,  its  arterial  and  venous 
circulation  carried  on  through  the  umbilical  cord,  but 
now  it  must  breathe  and  eat  for  itself.  The  lungs  and 
heart  are  at  first  small,  but  they  continue  to  expand  and 
increase  in  size  from  year  to  year. 

Partly  on  account  of  the  small  size  of  the  chest,  and 
partly  from  the  extreme  nervous  sensibility,  the  circu- 
lation of  the  blood  in  infancy  is  much  more  rapid  than 
later  in  life.  While  in  an  adult  the  heart  contracts  and 
the  pulse  beats  from  60  to  80  in  a  minute,  during  the 
first  months  of  life  it  is  nearly  double  that  number,  and 
varies  from  120  to  130.  Hence  we  should  be  on  our 
guard  about  mistaking  a  perfectly  -natural  for  a  feverish 
pulse. 

It  is  very  obvious  that  the  rapid  circulation  of  the  in- 
fant and  its  quick  respiration,  render  it  more  liable,  by 
increasing  the  nervous  excitability,  to  various  forms  of 
acute  diseases,  than  at  a  more  advanced  age,  where  the 
circulation  and  respiration  are  less  rapid.  Therefore  an 
even  temperature  and  a  pure  atmosphere  are  absolutely 
essential  to  the  health  of  the  child. 

Another  condition  indispensable  to  the  life  of  the 
child  is  the  supply  of  animal  heat.  This,  before  birth 
has  been  obtained  through  the  mother,  but  now  the 
child  occupies  a  comparatively  independent  position, 
and  the  preparation  of  animal  heat  must  be  carried  on 
in  its  own  body  and  by  its  own  organs.  The  evolution 
of  animal  heat  we  have  fully  explained  in  a  preceding 
chapter.  It  is  the  same  in  the  child  as  in  the  adult.  It 
depends  upon  respiration,  digestion ,  and  nervous  excite- 
ment. The  power  of  generating  animal  heat,  contrary 


374  DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 


to  what  is  supposed  by  many,  is  far  less  in  the  young 
than  in  the  adult.  The  reasons  are  very  obvious.  The 
lungs  are  small,  therefore  respiration  is  less  full  and  ac- 
tive ;  the  diet  consists  of  watery  and  unstinmlating  milk, 
and  the  infant  is  of  course  prevented  by  weakness  from 
making  use  of  much  exertion ;  and  lastly  the  nervous 
system  is  not  fully  aroused,  the  child,  during  the  first 
months  of  its  life,  sleeping  a  large  portion  of  the  time. 
A  temperature  of  about  98  is  essential  to  man,  and  this 
we  find  he  has,  if  in  a  state  of  health,  whether  he  in- 
habits a  land  where  the  thermometer  is  100°  above  zero 
or  20°  below.  This  uniform  temperature  of  the  body  is 
much  warmer  as  a  general  thing  than  the  surrounding 
atmosphere,  and  unless  the  internal  fires  were  kept 
burning,  the  body  would  soon  cool  down  to  the  same 
temperature  as  the  medium  by  which  it  is  surrounded. 
The  power  of  generating  animal  heat  is  smaller  in  early 
life,  than  at  any  other  period  of  existence,  and  there- 
fore the  power  of  resisting  external  cold  is  far  less  at 
that  period.  The  pernicious  effects  of  highly  heated 
and  impure  air,  and  allowing  the  limbs  of  the  child, 
both  in  the  house  and  out  of  doors,  to  be  destitute  in  a 
great  measure  of  clothing,  will  very  readily  be  perceived 
by  all. 

CLOTHING. 

We  will  suppose  the  little  stranger  fairly  introduced 
into  the  world,  and  ready  for  its  first  bath.  The  room 
should  be  of  a  moderate  temperature,  and  the  possibi- 
lity of  currents  of  air  from  doors,  windows  or  cracks 
carefully  guarded  against.  Drafts  of  air  would  be 
highly  injurious,  as  well  as  the  near  vicinity  of  a  large 
fire  where  the  rays  fall  directly  on  the  child.  The  tem- 
perature of  the  water  should  be  about  blood  heat. 
Warmer  than  this  would  produce  relaxation  and  conse- 
quent debility,  colder,  the  animal  heat  would  be  rapidly 


CLOTHING.  375 


withdrawn  from  the  child  at  a  time  when  its  power  of 
generating  heat  would  be  very  limited.  In  washing  the 
child,  all  that  is  generally  necessary,  is  a  soft  sponge,  by 
which  the  warm  water  can  be  thoroughly  applied  in  a 
manner  not  to  injure  the  delicate  skin  and  the  mucous 
or  oily  covering  of  the  child  effectually  removed.  Some- 
times the  peculiar  substance  with  which  the  child  is 
covered  cannot  be  removed  merely  by  soap-water ;  in 
these  cases  the  parts  may  be  smeared  with  fresh  lard, 
butter  or  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  and  then  washed  off.  The 
face  should  be  washed  first,  and  with  a  different  sponge 
from  the  rest  of  the  body,  and  great  care  taken  to  prevent 
any  of  the  soap  from  getting  into  the  eyes.  By  failing 
to  observe  these  simple  directions,  an  ophthalmia  of  an 
exceedingly  painful  character  is  often  induced. 

While  particular  pains  should  be  taken  to  have  the 
child  perfectly  clean,  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  you 
are  handling  a  delicate  being,  who  is  taking  its  first  les- 
son in  life.  I  have  often  seen  nurses  in  the  lower  walks 
of  life,  and  even  where  there  was  no  excuse  for  their  not 
knowing  better,  grasp  the  head  firmly  in  one  hand,  with 
the  other,  armed  with  a  rag,  not  of  the  softest  quality, 
and  plentifully  covered  with  soap,  scrub  the  little  face 
with  an  energy  and  good  will,  which  expended  on  pots 
and  kettles  would  be  highly  meritorious,  but  which  is 
not  exactly  the  thing  with  the  tender  flesh  of  the  young 
infant.  If  the  child  is  very  weak,  it  should  not  be  still 
further  fatigued  by  a  long  washing.  In  these  cases,  let 
the  nurse  make  the  child  as  clean  as  possible  in  a  reason- 
able time,  and  leave  the  rest  till  the  next  washing. 
After  the  child  has  been  washed  and  dried,  the  cord  may 
be  wrapped  in  a  soft  linen  rag ;  over  this  a  thin  flannel 
bandage  must  be  applied  five  or  six  inches  in  breadth, 
and  long  enough  to  go  once  or  twice  around  the  body. 
The  object  is  partly  warmth,  and  partly  to  prevent  the 
bowels  pressing  out  at  the  opening  of  the  navel.  In 


376  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 


warm  weather,  or  where  the  skin  is  very  sensitive,  a 
linen  or  cotton  bandage  can  be  substituted.  The  ban- 
dage should  not,  as  is  often  the  case,  be  drawn  too 
tightly,  for  this  would  prevent  the  proper  action  of  the 
abdomen  in  respiration,  and  thereby  produce  much  evil. 
The  cord  generally  suppurates,  and  drops  off  in  five  or 
six  days,  and  it  is  not  necessary  previous  to  that  to 
change  its  dressing  more  than  once  or  twice,  if  at  all. 
As  it  regards  the  dress,  the  mother  can  consult  the 
prevailing  fashion,  or  her  own  taste,  providing  she  also 
consults  common-sense,  and  while  she  uses  light,  soft, 
and  warm  clothing,  such  as  will  afford  ample  protection 
to  the  child,  is  careful  to  have  it  fit  so  as  not  to  com- 
press the  body  or  prevent  the  utmost  freedom  of  move- 
ment. The  dress  will  of  course  vary  somewhat  according 
to  the  climate  and  season  of  the  year.  In  the  winter,  or 
where  the  child  is  delicate,  thin,  soft  flannel  next  the 
skin  is  generally  preferable.  The  plan  of  rolling  the 
child  up  in  bandages  like  a  mummy,  thus  preventing 
the  expansion  of  the  chest  and  abdomen,  and  the  free 
motion  of  the  limbs,  has  fortunately  gone  out  of  fashion. 
If  flannel  produces  much  perspiration  and  soreness, 
linen  should  be  substituted.  Whatever  the  clothing 
may  be,  it  should  be  very  frequently  changed,  and  never 
put  on  until  after  it  has  been  thoroughly  aired  and  made 
comfortably  warm.  While  the  mother  bears  in  mind  the 
fact,  that  the  supply  of  animal  heat  is  the  smallest 
in  infancy,  and  therefore  perceives  the  necessity  of 
keeping  her  child  sufficiently  warm,  she  should  not 
forget  that  too  warm  clothing,  and  too  high  a  tempera- 
ture in  the  room,  are  equally  injurious  as  the  other  ex- 
treme. 

As  dressing  is  generally  tiresome  and  irksome  to  the 
child,  the  garments  should  be  made  so  as  to  be  easily 
taken  off  or  put  on.  Pins  should  be  avoided  wherever 
it  is  possible,  and  soft  tapes,  loops,  or  something  of  the 


CLOTHING.  377 

kind  substituted  in  their  place.  Unless  great  care  is 
exercised,  pins  stick  into  the  flesh,  worry  the  child,  and 
occasion  paroxysms  of  crying,  often  attributed  to  dis- 
ease. The  practice  of  leaving  the  upper  portion  of  the 
chest  and  arms  naked  for  the  first  five  or  six  years  can- 
not be  too  strongly  condemned.  The  chest  must  be 
protected,  or  you  will  stand  a  pretty  good  chance  of 
being  called  to  watch  with  agonized  emotions  by  the 
side  of  your  child,  suffering  from  croup,  inflammation 
of  the  lungs,  fevers,  and  those  varied  diseases  which 
prevail  to  such  an  alarming  extent  at  this  period  of 
life.  Children  who  have  their  bosoms,  arms,  and  legs 
covered  for  the  first  two  years,  are  far  less  liable  to 
colds,  coughs,  croups,  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  and  that 
long  list  of  diseases  which  annually  sweep  off  so  many 
of  the  bright  and  beautiful  little  prattlers. 

Formerly  it  was  the  pride  of  the  mother,  to  see  her 
child  with  a  beautiful  cap  on  its  head,  now,  mothers 
generally  prefer  to  see  the  little  head  without  any 
covering,  except  what  nature  gradually  provides  it  in 
the  form  of  hair.  And  this  is  much  the  wisest  plan. 
Caps  after  all,  make  them  as  beautiful  as  you  choose, 
are  a  great  nuisance,  and  often  productive  of  much 
harm.  By  them  the  head  is  kept  too  warm,  inducing 
alarming  diseases  of  the  brain;  and  the  tender  scalp, 
constantly  irritated,  rendered  much  more  liable  to  pain- 
ful and  fetid  eruptions.  The  string  also  passing  under 
the  chin,  often  gives  the  poor  thing  the  first  sensation 
of  hanging.  "Where  the  head  is  kept  too  warm,  diseases 
of  the  brain,  as  a  matter  of  course,  are  much  more  fre- 
quent. Pains  should  be  taken  to  keep  the  temperature 
of  the  child  as  nearly  alike  at  all  times  as  possible. 
During  the  day  the  clothing  may  be  very  judicious, 
while  at  night  the  child  is  often  almost  buried  in  feathers 
and  made  to  swelter  under  warm  blankets.  Considering, 
that  two-thirds  of  the  infant's  life  is  spent  in  sleep,  the 


378  DISEASES   OF   CHILDREN. 

danger  of  these  sudden  transitions  from  a  high  to  a  low 
temperature  is  very  apparent. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  months  as  the  strength  in- 
creases, a  change  of  clothing  becomes  necessary,  and  the 
long  dresses  give  place  to  those  more  suitable  to  in- 
creasing activity.  The  feet  should  now  be  protected  by 
stockings,  and  whatever  form  of  dress  is  adopted,  the 
ridiculous  fashion  of  leaving  the  legs,  arms,  and  the  up- 
per portion  of  the  chest  naked,  should  never  be  indulged. 

FOOD. 

As  we  have  before  remarked,  while  the  child  is  in 
the  mother's  womb,  it  has  no  need  of  appetite,  as  all  its 
nutriment  is  imparted  without  any  exertion  on  its  part 
through  the  circulation  of  the  mother.  When  the  con- 
necting link,  which  for  nine  months  has  bound  the 
child  so  closely  to  its  mother,  is  severed,  and  the  little 
being  is  ushered  into  the  world,  the  various  organs  com- 
mence their  proper  functions,  developing  as  a  matter  of 
course,  a/y/7/A,  and  the  first  few  days  of  a  child  is 
divided  almost  entirely  between  sleeping  and  gratifying 
its  appetite.  At  this  period  it  often  is  only  aroused  by 
hunger,  and  when  this  is  appeased,  drops  to  sleep. 

Several  years  since,  when  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
my  profession  in  a  beautiful  country  village,  I  was  called 
out  late  one  evening  by  a  Frenchman  to  see  his  little 
child,  then  about  three  days  old.  The  father  had  called 
at  my  office  several  times  during  the  evening  before  my 
return,  and  was  then  so  much  excited,  that  he  could  not 
give  me  any  rational  account  of  the  difficulty  until  I 
reached  the  house,  where  I  found  the  mother  in  tears, 
sobbing  as  if  her  heart  would  break,  and  insisting,  in 
broken  English,  that  "mine  child  shall  die."  Her  tears 
however  were  quickly  changed  to  smiles,  when  I  told 
her,  that  six  months  hence  she  would  be  delighted,  if 
her  child  slept  as  quietly.  There  was  nothing  the  matter. 


FOOD.  379 

The  child  was  merely  obeying  the  first  demands  of  its 
being.  In  the  course  of  a  few  hours,  as  soon  as  the 
mother  has  obtained  a  little  rest,  it  is  always  best  to 
place  the  child  by  her  side,  and  let  it  receive  its  first 
nourishment  from  her  breast.  The  milk  at  this  time, 
if  there  is  any,  is  thin  and  watery,  of  a  whey-like  con- 
sistency, and  does  not  gain  its  rich  and  creamy  char- 
acter, until  the  lapse  of  several  days.  In  this  we  see 
another  beautiful  arrangement  of  nature.  The  milk  is 
precisely  of  the  character  best  adapted  to  the  wants  of 
the  child.  It  acts  gently  on  the  bowels,  causing  the 
removal  of  the  dark  and  slimy  mcconium,  with  which 
they  are  loaded  at  birth,  and  gradually,  as  it  becomes 
richer  in  its  properties,  prepares  the  stomach  for  its  re- 
ception. The  mother's  milk  is  of  itself  a  laxative,  and 
generally  all  the  laxative  the  child  requires.  The 
habit  of  dosing  the  little  being  with  castor-oil,  catnip- 
tea,  rhubarb  and  even  calomel,  cannot  be  too  strongly 
condemned.  Bear  in  mind  the  delicate  organization, 
and  remember  that  the  organs  are  all  new  and  unused, 
requiring  the  most  delicate  stimulus.  However  much 
the  robust  system  may  be  abused,  infancy  will  not  be 
trifled  with  without  showing  the  effects  of  it  in  cries, 
fretfulness,  convulsions,  colic,  diarrhoea  and  often  death. 
The  bills  of  mortality  show,  that  an  enormous  per-cent- 
age  of  death,  nearly  one-third,  occurs  before  the  age  of 
three  years.  We  are  to  look,  as  one  frightful  cause  of 
this  mortality,  to  the  trifling  with  nature,  and  the  kind- 
ly meant,  though  unwise  intermeddling  of  friends  and 
relatives.  If,  after  the  lapse  of  four  or  five  hours  there 
should  be  no  movement  from  the  bowels,  and  the  child 
is  evidently  suffering  from  this  cause,  a  small  amount 
of  tepid  sugar  and  water,  or  molasses  and  water,  will 
generally  be  all  that  is  necessary  to  relieve  the  diffi- 
culty. 

If  those  having  the  care  of  an  infant  would  bear  in 


380  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

inincl  the  fact,  that  up  to  the  moment  of  birth  it  has  been 
nourished  by  the  rich  blood  of  the  mother,  they  would 
be  less  anxious  to  crowd  its  delicate  stomach  with  food 
of  their  own  contriving,  often  to  its  injury.  The  cramps, 
colics,  and  cries  of  pain,  which  are  so  often  heard  in 
the  nursery,  are  frequently  the  result  of  this  forcing 
system.  The  cry  of  pain,  which  tortures  the  ear,  is  too 
often  the  voice  of  nature,  protesting  in  the  strongest 
terms  against  this  abuse  of  her  laws.  An  ordinary  flow 
of  milk  is  generally  established  in  three  or  four  days, 
and  this  gradually  becoming  rich  and  nourishing,  as  the 
wants  of  the  child  demand  it,  is  with  but  few  ex- 
ceptions, all  that  it  requires.  If  however  during  the 
first  few  days  there  is  not  a  sufficient  secretion  of  milk 
its  want  may  be  supplied  by  a  little  tepid  sugar  and 
water,  or  weak  milk  and  water.  System  and  order  are 
necessary  in  all  things,  and  in  nothing  more  than  in  the 
care  of  the  infant.  The  practice  is  very  common,  when- 
ever the  child  cries,  to  stop  its  mouth  with  the  breast. 
This  is  often  done  fifty  or  a  hundred  times  a  day,  and  at 
night,  the  mother's  sleep  is  broken  every  half  hour  by 
the  cries  of  her  child  ;  thus  both  are  deprived  of  their 
natural  rest,  the  mother  becomes  a  slave  to  her  child, 
and  the  child  develops  as  a  reward  a  peevish  and  rest- 
less temper.  This  habit  strongly  reminds  us  of  an  anec- 
dote of  an  old  lady,  who  in  the  fullness  of  her  kindness 
begged  her  guest  to  "  eat,  eat,  eat  till  you  split.  I  really 
wish  you  would." 

The  stomach  of  an  infant,  when  a  few  days  old,  is 
very  small,  holding  not  much  more  than  a  tablespoonful ; 
as  the  child  increases  in  age,  of  course  the  stomach  be- 
comes larger,  but  this  repeated  filling  it  with  food  in  too 
large  quantities,  leaves  it  no  time  for  digestion,  and  pro- 
duces flatulence,  colic,  diarrhoea,  indigestion,  and  some- 
times entails  on  the  young  being  a  lasting  disease. 
Crying  is  not  always  an  indication  of  hunger.  The  babe 


FOOD.  381 

can  tell  its  sufferings  in  no  other  way,  and  it  just  as 
often  cries  from  repletion,  as  from  lack  of  food.  It  cries 
when  too  warm  or  too  cold,  or  whenever  anything  affects 
its  delicate  organization  unpleasantly.  Crying,  however 
unpleasant  it  may  be,  is  not  unfrequently  highly  bene- 
ficial. The  organs  of  respiration  are  developed  and 
strengthened  by  the  exercise.  As  we  have  already 
stated  in  speaking  of  the  adult,  the  amount  of  food 
should  be  proportioned  to  the  waste  in  the  system. 
Crowding  the  stomach  with  food  more  than  it  can  di- 
gest, whether  in  the  adult  or  infant,  leads  to  the  most 
serious  difficulties.  During  the  first  few  weeks  of  in- 
fancy the  child  requires  food  oftener  than  when  a  few 
months  old,  but  even  then  every  three  hours  will  as  a 
general  thing  be  all-sufficient,  unless  it  should  be  de- 
manded more  frequently  by  those  evident  signs  of  hun- 
ger which  no  mother  need  mistake.  If  the  breast  is  not 
offered  on  every  occasion  and  for  every  cry,  it  will  only 
be  demanded  at  stated  intervals.  As  the  child  advances 
in  age,  the  length  of  time  between  the  period  of  taking 
nourishment  will  of  course  be  proportionally  increased. 
At  first  the  child  will  require  nourishment  three  or  four 
times  in  the  course  of  the  night,  but  after  a  short  time 
once  late  in  the  evening  and  again  early  in  the  morning 
will  be  all  that  is  necessary.  The  child  may,  in  a  warm 
room,  be  suffering  from  thirst,  and  a  drink  of  water  be 
all  that  is  necessary  to  still  its  crying. 

It  is  a  curious  fact,  that  great  fatigue,  strong  mental 
emotion,  fear,  passion,  or  wild  and  excessive  grief  often 
produce  a  strong  effect  on  the  mother's  milk.  Hence  she 
should  by  no  means  give  the  breast  when  suffering 
from  great  fatigue,  or  violent  mental  emotion.  The  case 
recorded  of  the  German  woman,  is  probably  familiar  to 
all.  A  soldier  attacked  her  husband  with  a  drawn 
sword.  At  first  she  was  paralyzed  with  terror,  but  in 
a  moment  she  sprang  forward  with  fury,  wrenched  the 


882 


DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 


sword  from  the  soldier's  hand,  and  parted  the  com- 
batants. While  in  this  strong  state  of  excitement  she 
took  her  child  from  the  cradle  and  placed  it  to  her 
breast  The  doom  of  the  little  being,  at  the  time  per- 
fectly healthy,  was  sealed,  for  in  a  few  moments  it  was 
dead.  Will  those  who  will  believe  in  nothing  but  tan- 
gible doses,  tell  us  how  much  poison  was  contained  iu 
the  mother's  milk,  and  how  the  chemical  change  was 
produced,  instantaneously,  by  the  action  of  the  mind  ? 
"  There  are  more  things  in  heaven  and  earth, 
Than  are  dreamed  of  in  your  philosophy." 

ARTIFICIAL  FEEDING. 

In  all  cases  where  the  mother  can  nurse  her  child 
with  safety,  she  should  certainly  do  so,  as  the  mortality 
among  infants  thus  nourished  is  far  less  than  among 
those  who  are  "  brought  up  by  hand,"  as  it  is  termed. 
At  times,  however,  from  a  variety  of  causes,  such  as  the 
non-secretion  of  the  mother's  milk,  disease  or  death,  it 
is  necessary  to  administer  food.  In  these  cases  a  healthy 
wet-nurse  should  be  obtained  if  possible,  if  not,  the  food 
should  resemble  that  of  the  mother's  milk  as  nearly  as 
possible. 

The  following  analysis  of  several  kinds  of  milk  may 
guide  us  in  a  proper  selection. 


CONSTITUBNTS. 

Caseine 

Butter 

Sugar  of  milk 

Various  salts 

Water 


cow. 
4.48 
3.13 
4.77 
0.60 
87.02 


ASS. 

1.82 
0.11 
6.08 
0.34 
91.65 


WOMAN. 
1.52 

3.35 

6.50 

0.45 

87.98 


GOAT. 

4.02 
3.32 
5.25 
0.58 
86.80 


EWE. 

4.50 
4.20 
5.00 
0.68 
85.82 


Total, 


100.00   100.00   100.00   100.00   ioaoo 


Solid  Substances  12.98        8.35       12.02       13.20       14.38 

We  perceive  from  this  analysis,  that  woman's  milk  is 

the  poorest  of  all,  but  that  it  contains  most  saccharine 


ARTIFICIAL   FEEDING.  383 


matter ;  next  to  this  comes  ass's  milk.  In  choosing  our 
substitute  we  should  either  prefer  the  one,  which  ap- 
proaches nearest  the  natural  food  of  the  child  or  en- 
deavor to  modify  the  difference,  in  what  we  do  take. 
Thus,  a  large  proportion  of  water  and  sugar  should  be 
added  to  cow's  milk,  a  less  amount  of  each  to  goat's 
milk,  &c. 

Cow's  milk  is  generally  used  on  account  of  its  being 
more  readily  obtained  than  most  of  the  varieties.  It 
should  be  obtained  perfectly  fresh,  from  one  cow  if  pos- 
sible, sweetened,  diluted  at  first  with  two-thirds  water, 
reducing  the  quantity  of  water  after  a  week,  or  two,  to 
one-half,  and  again  in  a  short  time  to  one-third,  at  which 
strength  the  child  can  be  fed  for  four  or  five  months, 
after  which,  if  it  is  active,  the  milk  can  be  given  un- 
diluted. 

The  utmost  attention  should  be  paid  not  only  to  the 
temperature  of  the  milk,  but  to  cleanliness.  The  food 
should  be  as  nearly  as  possible  the  temperature  of  the 
mother's  milk,  at  96°  or  98°.  The  water  should  be  heat- 
ed and  poured  on  the  milk,  and  in  no  case  should  the 
food  thus  prepared  be  heated  for  use  a  second  time. 

A  variety  of  sucking-bottles  are  used,  fitted  with  an 
artificial  nipple,  pierced  with  small  holes.  The  nipple 
can  be  made  of  sponge,  covered  with  a  rag,  chamois 
leather,  folds  of  linen  and  a  variety  of  materials.  The 
sucking-bottle  should  never  be  put  aside  without,  to- 
gether with  the  nipple,  being  thoroughly  washed  with 
hot  water.  This  may  seem  an  excess  of  care,  but  there 
is  far  less  trouble  in  doing  things  properly  than  in  lis- 
tening to  the  cries  of  the  child  or  in  watching  by  its 
sick-bed. 

After  taking  its  food,  the  child  naturally  in  the  ear- 
lier periods  of  its-  life  feels  an  inclination  to  sleep.  In 
this  it  should  be  indulged,  f  >r  if  tossed  about  and  pur- 
posely kept  awake,  it  will  almost  surely  suffer  from  in- 


384  DISEASES    OF   CHILDREN. 

digestion.  I  have  often  seen  the  nurse,  after  having 
fed  the  child,  place  it  on  her  knees  and  trot  it  with  an 
energy  as  if  its  life  depended  on  having  the  contents  of 
its  stomach  well  churned,  and  have  heartily  wished,  that 
immediately  after  dinner  she  could  be  placed  on  some 
machine,  where  she  might  receive  a  practical  lesson  in 
the  beauties  of  trotting. 

Sometimes  after  the  first  month  or  two,  milk  seems  to 
disagree  with  the  child.  In  this  case  it  may  be  mixed 
with  well  boiled  arrow  root,  sago,  farina,  or  well  baked 
and  toasted  bread.  A  very  excellent  food  is  "  bread 
jelly."  A  quantity  of  the  soft  part  of  a  loaf  is  broken 
up,  and  boiling  water  being  poured  on  it,  it  is  covered 
and  allowed  to  steep  for  some  time ;  the  water  is  then 
strained  off  completely,  and  fresh  water  added,  and  the 
whole  placed  on  the  fire  and  allowed  to  boil  slowly  for 
some  time,  until  it  becomes  smooth  -T  the  water  is  then 
pressed  out,  and  the  bread  on  cooling  forms  a  thick  jelly, 
a  portion  of  which  is  to  be  mixed  with  milk,  or  water 
and  sugar,  for  use  as  it  is  wanted. 

The  steeping  in  hot  water,  and  the  subsequent  boiling, 
removes  all  the  noxious  matters  used  in  making  the 
bread. 

Arrow-root  made  with  water  alone,  or  with  milk  and 
sugar  is  very  good  food ;  but  as  it  is  somewhat  astrin- 
gent, it  is  more  particularly  suited  to  cases  where  the 
bowels  are  relaxed,  in  such  cases  also,  boiled  milk,  or 
boiled  rice  and  milk,  may  be  given.  Pap  or  panada,  and 
gruels  made  in  the  usual  way,  also  form  a  very  good 
variety  of  food. 

Not  unfrequently  a  change  from  its  usual  food  to  some 
of  the  above  articles,  produces  a  speedy  change  in  the 
movements  of  the  bowels.  In  poor  and  weak  children, 
weak  chicken  tea,  or  beef  tea,  may  be  required. 


WEANING.  885 


WEANING. 

The  time  of  weaning,  anticipated  with  so  much  dread 
by  anxious  mothers,  must  be  governed  by  circumstances. 
Some  women  are  not  able  to  suckle  but  a  few  months, 
while  others  continue  it  for  two  or  three  years.  I  know 
a  lady,  now  a  venerable  grand-mother,  who  nursed  a 
child,  now  a  strong  athletic  man,  until  he  was  so  large 
that  he  was  uble  to  stand  by  her  side  and  nurse.  When 
visitors  were  present,  a  little  ashamed  to  indulge  in  his 
favorite  practice  before  them,  he  would  call  his  mother 
out  of  the  room,  as  if  he  had  something  of  importance 
to  tell,  when  he  would  commence  nursing. 

As  a  general  thing,  the  child  should  not  be  weaned 
earlier  than  nine  months,  or  later  than  twelve  months. 
By  this  time  it  will  generally  be  provided  with  teeth, 
although  sometimes  they  are  not  developed  until  the 
child  is  eighteen  or  twenty  months  of  age.  Should, 
however,  there  be  a  non-sufficiency  of  milk,  or  the  health 
of  the  mother  suffer,  weaning  can  take  place  at'  any 
time.  It  should  in  no  case  be  continued,  when  it  is  ap- 
parent that  it  is  injurious  to  the  mother.  Weaning 
should  not  take  place,  if  it  can  be  avoided,  when  the  in- 
fant is  unwell,  or  when  suffering  severely  from  teething, 
or  during  the  warm  weather  of  summer.  It  is  best, 
generally,  that  the^weaning  shall  be  gradual,  accustom- 
ing the  child,  before  it  is  entirely  deprived  of  the 
breast,  to  be  fed  with  the  spoon. 

After  the  child  is  weaned,  its  diet  should  still  be  of  a 
fluid  or  soft  character,  gradually  changing  as  the  system 
requires.  Milk,  thickened  with  arrow-root,  sago,  farina, 
bread,  gruel,  crackers  pulverized  in  warm  water  and 
slightly  sweetened,  will  at  first  constitute  its  principal 
diet.  Regularity  now  in  administering  its  food,  is  of 
equal  importance,  as  in  the  earlier  or  later  periods  of 
life,  and  the  child  should  not  be  accustomed  to  be  fed 
17 


DISEASES    OK    CHILDREN. 


whenever  it  cries,  or  is  uneasy,  unless  there  are  signs 
that  the  uneasiness  or  crying  is  caused  by  hunger.  If 
the  child  is  really  hungry,  it  should  be  fed,  but  in  those 
cases  a  piece  of  bread  will  not  be  rejected,  as  it  pro- 
bably will  in  case  the  appetite  is  artificial,  and  only  for 
nice  things. 

CLEANLINESS,  AIR,  AND  EXERCISE. 

Every  mother  will  perceive  the  necessity  of  perfect 
cleanliness.  The  clothes  should  be  frequently  changed, 
and  the  child  be  accustomed  to  a  daily  bath.  The  water 
should  be  during  the  first  few  days  after  birth  about 
blood  heat,  gradually  lowering  the  temperature  as  the 
child  becomes  stronger,  until  in  the  course  of  a  few 
months,  the  water  may  be  used  nearly  if  not  quite  cold. 
A  bath  should  be  used  in  which  the  whole  body  may 
be  immersed.  After  bathing,  the  body  should  be 
thoroughly  dried,  followed  by  gentle  friction  with  the 
hand  or  a  soft  towel.  Particular  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  hair  and  scalp.  At  first  it  is  of  course 
washed  all  over  every  day,  but  after  the  child  is  a  year 
old,  once  a  week  or  fortnight  will  be  sufficient,  if  it  be 
well  brushed  nigkt  and  morning. 

The  Nursery.—  There  is  one  important  subject  in  the 
training  of  the  child,  of  which  I  have  not  spoken,  I 
mean,  the  nursery.  A  healthy  location,  pure  air,  and 
cleanliness  are  of  course  essential.  A  situation  away 
from  contamination,  with  a  dry  and  pure  air,  should  be 
selected. 

It  is  very  common  in  New-York,  and  in  fact  in  all 
populous  cities,  to  see  in  certain  localities,  a  dozen 
families  occupying  one  house.  Each  family  sometimes 
composed  of  six  or  eight  children,  besides  the  parents, 
has  at  most  but  two  rooms,  and  often  only  one.  Here 
within  these  dark,  damp  walls,  sometimes  in  basements, 
and  sometimes  in  attics,  where  the  cold  wind  and  rain 


CLEANLINESS,    AIR,   AND    EXERCISE.  387 

penetrates  through  every  crack,  they  cook,  and  eat,  and 
sleep,  huddled  together  like  swine. 

No  wonder  that  disease  and  crime  revel  here.  No 
wonder  that  these  localities  swell  that  dark  and  filthy 
stream  of  licentiousness,  whose  turbid  waters  cast  their 
stench  over  society;  morally  and  physically  poisoned, 
what  could  we  expect.  And  here  they  live  in  the  midst 
of  filth,  pinched  with  poverty,  seeing  their  children 
growing  up  around  them  candidates  for  crime,  when  at 
a  less  expense  than  they  are  now  under,  they  could  have 
pleasant  homes  in  some  of  the  many  quiet  villages 
clustering  around,  and  within  a  few  moments'  ride  of  our 
great  cities. 

Even  among  those  who  are  possessed  of  wealth  the 
most  unpleasant  and  worst  ventilated  part  of  the  house 
is  not  unfrequently  taken  as  a  nursery.  The  upper 
rooms,  being  more  airy  and  dry  than  the  lower,  should 
as  a  general  thing  be  selected.  Those  having  a  southern 
exposure  would  of  course  be  preferable.  A  want  of  pure 
air  and  healthy  food,  is  one  of  the  principle  causes  oi^ 
various  diseases,  as  well  as  the  development  in  infancy 
of  that  scourge  of  our  race,  Scrofula  or  Tuberculosis. 
Nothing  should  be  permitted  in  the  nu  jsery  which  would 
have  a  tendency  to  vitiate  the  air,  or  interfere  with  a 
proper  ventilation.  While  we  take  particular  pains  not 
to  have  the  nursery  at  too  high  a  temperature,  we  should 
be  equally  cautious  to  have  an  even  and  comfortable 
warmth  at  all  times.  Drafts  of  cold  air  should  be 
avoided,  and  the  so-called  hot  air  stoves,  standing  like 
a  mass  of  heated  metal,  exhausting  the  life  of  the  air, 
and  creating  no  current  should  never  find  their  way  into 
the  nursery. 

The  temperature  must  be  regulated  according  to  the 
season,  and  should  range  somewhere  between  60°  and  70° 
During  winter,  and  a  portion  of  spring  and  autumn,  fire 
will  l;e  required  during  the  day,  but  it  is  not  necessary 


388  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

at  night,  unless  in  case  of  sickness.  After  dressing  in 
the  morning,  the  children  should  leave  the  room  for  an 
hour  or  two,  during  which  time  it  should  be  thoroughly 
ventilated. 

Children  must,  as  a  matter  of  course,  spend  hours  and 
days  alone  with  their  nursery  attendants,  at  a  time  when 
first  impressions  are  stronger  than  at  any  other  period 
of  their  lives.  Great  care  then  should  be  taken  in  the 
selection  of  the  nurse.  She  should  be  orderly,  cleanly, 
addicted  to  no  vulgar  habit,  and  of  a  mild  and  cheerful 
temper.  I  have  already  referred  to  this  subject,  in 
speaking  of  the  moral  training  of  children. 

Exercise. — This  is  essential  to  the  proper  develop- 
ment of  the  muscles,  and  the  various  organs  of  the  body, 
but  we  should  bear  in  mind  the  softness  of  the  bones 
and  the  weakness  of  the  body  in  the  early  months  of 
infancy.  Exercise  at  this  period  should  be  mostly  of 
the  passive  kind,  as  violent  exercise,  or  carrying  the 
child  in  an  erect  or  sitting  position  would  have  a  ten- 
dency to  produce  curvature  of  the  spine  and  limbs. 
Respiration,  crying,  tossing  about  the  limbs,  produce  at 
first  nearly  all  the  exercise  required. 

In  summer  weather  the  child  can  hardly  be  too  much 
in  the  open  air,  and  should  be  accustomed  to  it  at  longer 
or  shorter  intervals  daily.  In  winter,  more  caution  is 
necessary,  but  even  then  it  may  be  taken  out  after  the 
first  or  second  month,  in  pleasant  weather,  for  a  short 
time.  The  indiscriminate  exposure  of  children  for  the 
purpose  of  hardening  them,  is  a  barbarous  practice. 
They  should  be  warmly  clothed,  and  not  exposed  to  the 
weather  when  there  is  danger  of  being  chilled.  During 
the  first  four  or  five  months,  in  taking  exercise,  the 
child  should  not  be  carried  in  a  sitting  position.  The 
head  is  large  and  heavy,  and  for  want  of  sufficient 
strength  in  the  neck  to  keep  it  in  an  erect  position,  it 
falls  from  one  side  to  the  other,  impeding  respiration. 


SELECTION   OF   A   WET   NURSE.  389 


The  best  way  to  carry  young  infants,  is  in  an  oblong 
basket,  or  on  the  arm  of  the  nurse  in  a  reclining  position, 
so  as  to  protect  the  body  and  head.  It  should  never  be 
lifted  by  the  arms  or  guided  by  them,  when  it  makes 
its  first  effort  to  walk,  but  one  hand  should  be  placed 
on  each  side  of  the  chest,  just  below  the  arm-pits. 

The  cradle  in  which  the  child  is  rocked  to  sleep,  or 
its  cries  stilled,  is  rapidly  losing  favor,  and  should  be 
entirely  banished  from  every  household.  Rocking,  with 
the  rapidity  often  practiced,  undoubtedly  induces  sleep, 
but  it  is  an  apoplectic  sleep,  endangering  the  brain  and 
the  nervous  system. 

When  a  child  is  able  to  walk  he  will  show  his  ability 
in  a  way  which  cannot  be  misunderstood,  and  then  a 
little  help,  rather  to  enable  him  to  balance  than  to  sup- 
port himself  will  be  sufficient.  Walking  requires  not 
merely  physical  strength,  but  the  power  of  balancing, 
and  we  should  be  cautious  about  forcing  the  child  to 
step  alone,  until  the  latter  as  well  as  the  former  has  been 
in  a  measure  acquired.  The  child  itself  decides  on  the 
different  steps  of  its  progress,  and  a  little  watchfulness 
on  the  part  of  the  mother  or  nurse,  will  easily  discover 
the  indications.  As  the  child  increases  in  strength,  air 
and  exercise  are  even  more  indispensable  ;  in  fact,  from 
two  to  ten,  or  twelve  years  of  age,  it  cannot  have  too 
much  fresh  air,  provided  there  is  not  an  undue  expo- 
sure. I  have  already  referred  to  this  part  of  the  sub- 
ject in  speaking  of  the  moral,  physical,  and  intellectual 
training  of  children. 

SELECTION  OF  A  WET  NURSE. 
In  the  selection  of  a  nurse,  the  physician  should  of 
course  be  consulted.  She  should  be  cheerful,  amiable, 
orderly  and  cleanly ;  there  should  be  no  traces  of  here- 
ditary or  other  disease;  the  skin  should  be  sound,  with- 
out eruption  or  trace  of  scrofulous  disease ;  the  mouth 


390  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

and  teeth  healthy ;  the  breasts  of  moderate  size  and  firm. 
It  is  desirable  to  choose  a  nurse  whose  child  is  about 
the  age  of  the  one  she  is  about  to  suckle,  although  this 
is  not  always  necessary.  The  milk  should  be  thin,  clear, 
of  a  bluish-white  color,  limpid  and  sweet.  The  food 
should  be  plain  but  nourishing,  with  the  addition  some- 
times at  dinner  of  a  moderate  allowance  of  ale  or  porter. 
She  should  exercise  daily  in  the  open  air ;  her  digestion 
should  be  good,  and  her  bowels  regular. 

2.    DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 

As  we  have  glanced  at  the  general  treatment  of  the 
child  during  the  first  few  years  of  its  existence,  we  will 
now  speak  of  some  of  the  affections  with  which  it  is 
most  liable  to  be  troubled. 

APPARENT  DEATH  OF  A  NEW-BORN  INFANT. 

Where  a  new-born  infant  does  not  breathe  for  some 
minutes  after  delivery,  steps  should  be  promptly  taken 
to  resuscitate  it.  The  back  should  be  rubbed  along  the 
spinal  processes,  the  limbs  and  chest  should  also  be  rub- 
bed, gently  but  firmly,  and  the  abdomen  around  the  cord 
rubbed  with  brandy  and  water.  If  after  the  lapse  of 
five  or  ten  minutes  there  are  no  signs  of  life,  the  cord 
should  be  cut,  and  the  child  placed  in  a  warm  bath,  at 
the  same  time  squeezing  the  limbs  and  chest  gently. 
Put  about  as  much  Tartar  Emetic  a&  will  lie  on  a  three 
cent  piece  into  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  and  put 
two  or  three  drops  of  this  mixture  into  the  mouth. 
Sometimes  it  is  possible  to  inflate  the  lungs  by  placing 
the  mouth  over  the  child's  mouth,  and  gently  breathing, 
at  the  same  time  closing  the  nostrils  with  the  thumb 
and  finger  to  prevent  the  air  passing  out.  After  the 
lungs  are  filled,  the  chest  should  be  gently  compressed 
so  as  to  imitate  as  nearly  as  possible  respiration.  In. 
fants  have  sometimes  been  restored  after  two  or  three 
hours  of  apparent  death,  therefore  efforts  at  resuscitation 


COLD  IN  THE  HEAD.   SNUFFLES.   CORYZA.      391 

should  not  be  given  up  too  soon.  Where  there  are  un- 
mistakable signs  of  the  death  of  the  child  previous  to 
delivery,  it  would  of  course  be  useless  to  make  efforts  at 
resuscitation. 

SWELLING  OR  ELONGATION  OF  THE  HEAD. 

At  birth,  the  bones  of  the  cranium,  where  they  unito 
which  each  other  are  more  or  less  soft,  so  that  there  is 
frequently  an  elongation  or  swelling  of  the  head,  espe- 
cially after  difficult  labor.  The  difficulty  will  usually 
disappear  in  two  or  three  days.  If  the  swelling  should 
be  extensive,  however,  the  head  should  be  washed  with 
cold  water  or  bathed  with  a  mixture  composed  of  six 
drops  of  Arnica^  to  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water. 

COLD  IN  THE  HEAD.    SNUFFLES.    CORYZA. 

This  is  a  very  common  affection  among  infants.  The 
nose  becomes  obstructed,  so  as  to  render  it  necessary 
for  them  to  breathe  in  a  measure  through  the  mouth, 
hence  they  are  obliged,  when  nursing,  to  relinquish  the 
nipple  frequently,  in  order  to  get  breath. 

Nux-v.  will  frequently  be  all  that  is  required,  espe- 
cially where  there  is  obstruction  of  the  nose  with  dryness. 

DOSE. — Three  globules,  or  a  powder  may  be  placed  on  the  tongue, 
morning,  noon  and  night. 

Sarribucus  may  be  given,  if  after  two  doses  of  Nux  no 
relief  is  obtained. 

DOSE. — Three  globules,  or  one  drop  in  a  glass  of  water,  ateaspoon- 
ful  at  a  dose  may  be  taken  once  in  four  or  six  hours,  until  better,  un- 
less one  of  the  following  remedies  is  indicated. 

Chamomilla,  where  the  obstruction  is  attended  with 
watery  discharge  from  the  nose.  Calcarea,  where  Cha- 
momilla  has  been  ineffectual. 

Stibium  will  be  required,  where  together  with  the 
running  at  the  nose,  there  is  cough,  rattling  of  mucus  in 
the  chest,  &c. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Sambucus. 


392  DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 


A  little  tallow  applied  with  the  finger  to  the  bridge 
of  the  nose  will  often  produce  relief. 

COLIC.    CRYING,  AND  WAKEFULNESS  OF  INFANTS. 

Where  it  is  evident  that  the  cries  of  a  child  proceed 
from  pain,  as  they  generally  do,  the  cause  should  be  as- 
certained. The  dress  should  be  carefully  examined,  to 
see  that  the  flesh  is  not  irritated  by  pins.  If  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  the  pain  proceeds  from  colic,  a  few  doses  of 
Chamomilla  will  generally  be  all  that"  is  necessary  to 
produce  relief,  especially  if  there  are  griping  pains,  in- 
dicated by  writhing  of  the  body,  and  drawing  up  the 
legs,  together  with  diarrhoea. 

Belladonna,  or  Coffea  will  be  indicated  where  there  is 
apparently  no  exciting  cause,  but  the  infant  is  peevish, 
wakeful  and  has  prolonged  fits  of  crying.  Ipecac.,  where 
the  colic  is  attended  with  sickness  of  the  stomach. 

DOSE. — Of  the  above  remedies  six  globules,  a  powder,  or  one  drop 
may  be  placed  in  a  glass  half-full  of  water  and  a  teaspoonful  given 
every  half  hour  or  hour  until  relieved. 

jRheum.  —  Screaming,  restlessness,  violent  griping 
pains,  and  sour-smelling  diarrhceic  stools. 

Nux-v.  will  be  required,  where  the  bowels  are  consti- 
pated, and  where  there  is  flatulent  colic,  accompanied 
by  sudden  fits  of  crying. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

SWELLING  OF  THE  BREASTS. 

Shortly  after  birth  the  breasts  of  the  infant  are  fre- 
quently found  to  be  swollen.  This  swelling  is  not  oc- 
casioned, as  is  sometimes  supposed,  by  the  presence  of 
milk,  and  therefore  squeezing  the  breast  will  not  only 
be  productive  of  no  good,  but  a  vast  amount  of  harm. 
The  swollen  parts  may  be  covered  with  a  linen  cloth 
dipped  in  sweet-oil.  If  this  produces  no  relief,  the  parts 
may  be  bathed  in  warm  brandy  and  water,  giving  Cfia- 
ommilla  and  Belladonna  in  alternation,  three  globules, 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYES.    PURULENT  OPHTHALMIA.       393 

or  one  drop  in  a  glass  half-full  of  water  a  teaspoonful  at  a 
dose,  six  hours  apart.  If,  notwithstanding  this  treatment, 
the  swelling  still  continues  to  increase,  apply  a  bread 
and  milk  poultice,  and  if  the  gathering  has  opened,  give 
three  globules,  or  a  powder  of  Mercury  one  evening,  and 
the  same  of  Hepar-s.  the  next. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYES.     PURULENT  OPH- 
THALMIA. 

This  affection  is  very  common  among  infants,  setting 
in  sometimes  when  only  a  few  days  old.  It  generally 
commences  in  the  lids,  but  if  neglected,  soon  extends  to 
the  eyeballs. 

It  may  be  occasioned  by  allowing  soap  or  some  of  the 
substance  which  covers  the  child  to  get  into  the  eye,  at 
the  first  washing ;  also  by  exposure  to  a  strong  light,  a 
draft  of  air  or  the  glare  of  a  fire. 

A  little  of  the  mother's  milk  should  be  dropped  in 
the  eye  four  or  five  times  a  dry.  Give  also  two  globules 
of  Aconite,  or  one  drop  in  a  glass  half-full  of  water  a 
teaspoonful  at  a  dose,  in  alternation  with  the  same  amount 
of  Belladonna,  three  or  four  hours  apart. 

If  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  days  no  improvement 
is  perceptible,  and  there  is  great  intolerance  of  light, 
redness,  swelling  and  agglutination  of  the  lids,  give 
Chamomilla,  prepared  like  the  Aconite  once  in  four 
hours. 

Mercury  and  Pulsatilla  may  be  given  in  alternation, 
prepared  like  the  Aconite  three  hours  apart,  if  there  be 
redness  of  the  eyes  and  eyelids,  small  yellowish  ulcers 
along  the  margin  of  the  lid,  with  purulent  discharge. 

Euphrasia  and  Rhus  may  be  alternated,  three  hours 
apart,  if  there  should  still  remain  accumulation  of  mat- 
ter in  the  eyes,  and  great  intolerance  of  light. 

Sulphur  and  Calcarea  may  be  alternated  a  powder  or 
17* 


894  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

three  globules,  twenty-four  hours  apart,  where  the  dis- 
ease occurs  in  scrofulous  children. 

Continue  to  bathe  the  eyes  with  the  mother's  milk,  or 
tepid  milk  and  water. 

Where  the  lids  continue  swollen,  a  little  bread  made 
soft  with  cold  milk,  may  be  applied. 

EXCORIATION. 

The  utmost  cleanliness  is  of  course  essential,  to  guard 
against  this  difficulty.  Bathe  the  parts  frequently  with 
cold  water ;  wipe  dry  with  a  soft  cloth,  and  dust  on  a 
little  fine  wheaten  starch,  or  apply  a  lotion  composed  of 
six  drops  of  Arnica  to  a  tea-cup  of  water. 

If  there  is  considerable  redness  and  inflammation, 
give  two  globules,  or  one  drop  in  a  glass  half-full  of 
water,  a  teaspoonful  at  a  dose,  of  Belladonna ',  every  night. 

If  the  child  is  very  restless,  and  in  fact,  in  most  forms 
of  excoriation,  where  it  is  not  occasioned  by  abuse  of 
CfamorMl&Jea,  Chamomitta  prepared  like  the  Belladon- 
na^ every  night,  will  usually  produce  relief. 

J/  rcury  will  be  required,  where  the  excoriation  is 
extensive  and  severe,  two  globules,  or  a  powder,  every 
night.  If  after  several  days  the  difficulty  still  continues, 
one  of  the  following  remedies  may  be  given,  Sulphur , 
Sepia,  Calcarea,OT  Carb.-v. 

JAUNDICE. 

This  trouble  is  frequently  occasioned  by  the  adminis- 
tration of  cathartics  shortly  after  birth,  and  also  from 
cold.  There  is  yellowness  of  the  whites  of  the  eyes, 
skin,  and  urine.  The  bowels  are  sometimes  costive,  at 
others  loose. 

Charnomilla  and  Mercury  may  be  given  in  alternation, 
two  globules  of  one,  a  powder  or  three  drops  in  a  glass 
half-full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  at  a  dose,  in  the  morning, 
and  the  same  of  the  other  at  night.  If  after  four  or 
five  days  there  is  no  improvement,  Nux  may  be  given 


THRUSH.      SORE  MOUTH.      APHTHA.  395 

in  the  same  way,  or  it  may  precede  the  others,  where 
there  is  restlessness  and  constipation. 

China  will  be  required,  if  the  symptoms  still  continue 
after  the  administration  of  the  other  remedies. 

THRUSH.  SORE  MOUTH.  APHTHAE. 

This  very  common  aifection  in  infancy,  is  characterized 
by  the  appearance  of  small,  round,  white  vesicles  on  the 
interior  of  the  mouth  and  over  the  tongue,  which,  if  not 
checked,  run  together,  forming  patches,  producing  a  su- 
perficial ulceration  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
mouth  and  throat.  There  is  of  course  difficulty  of  nurs- 
ing and  swallowing,  and  generally,  a  deranged  state  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels.  Where  the  attack  is  severe, 
and  the  ulceration  extensive,  there  is  more  or  less  fever, 
pain,  restlessness,  &c. 

There  is  another  variety  of  aphthse,  sometimes  mis- 
taken for  thrush. — It  consists  at  first  of  small  points  or 
patches  of  curdy  matter  on  the  surface  of  the  membrane, 
and  generally  easily  wiped  away  with  a  cloth.  In  severe 
cases,  blood  may  exude  from  the  mucous  membrane  at 
these  points. 

CAUSES. — The  prominent  cause  is  a  constitutional  taint. 
It  is  also  frequently  produced  by  improper  food  in  those 
who  are  fed  with  the  bottle  or  spoon. 

TREATMENT.- — If  the  inflammation  is  not  very  severe, 
equal  parts  of  borax  and  loaf  sugar  may  be  mixed  dis- 
solved in  water  and  applied  to  the  mouth  three  or  four 
times  a  day ;  or  borax  and  honey  may  be  mixed  and  ap- 
plied in  the  same  way,  or  the  mouth  may  be  washed 
with  a  mixture  made  by  dissolving  a  few  grains  of  borax 
in  a  tea-cupful  of  water. 

Mercury  should  be  given  two  globules  or  a  powder 
twice  a  day,  when  the  disease  first  makes  its  appearance, 
especially  if  there  is  salivation  and  ulceration.  Sulphur 
should  follow  Mercury  at  the  same  intervals,  if  the  latter 
fails  to  effect  a  cure  in  three  or  four  days. 


396  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

HEAT  SPOTS.     PRICKLY  HEAT. 

During  the  heat  of  summer  and  occasionally  at  other 
times,  children  are  subject  to  an  eruption  of  small  vesi- 
cles about  the  size  of  a  pin's  head,  filled  with  watery 
fluid.  These  sometimes  break  and  form  into  thin  scabs. 
They  are  attended  with  an  itching  burning  heat  and 
some  fever.  It  is  generally  occasioned  by  warm  rooms 
and  too  warm  clothing. 

Daily  bathing  and  proper  attention  to  dress  are  es- 
sential to  a  cure.  If  much  fever  and  restlessness  are 
present,  Aconite  may  be  given  in  alternation  with  Cha- 
inomilla^  four  hours  apart.  If  the  eruption  is  extensive 
and  attended  with  a  burning  itching,  Rhus  may  be  given, 
morning  and  night,  followed,  if  relief  is  not  obtained  in 
a  few  days,  by  Arsenic  or  Sulphur,  at  night 

There  is  another  form  of  eruption,  called  the  "  Red 
Gum"  which  consists  of  small  red  pimples,  chiefly  con- 
fined to  the  neck  and  arms,  although  sometimes  extend- 
ing over  the  body.  The  treatment  is  similar  to  that 
indicated  above. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  or  three  drops  of  the  remedy  may  be  mixed 
in  a  glass  half- full  of  water  and  a  teaspoonful  given  at  a  dose. 

RETENTION  OF  URINE. 

Retention  of  the  urine  frequently  occurs  in  young  in- 
fants, especially  shortly  after  birth.  A  warm  cloth  may 
be  placed  over  the  region  of  the  bladder,  and  two  glo- 
bules of  Aconite  given  once  in  two  hours ;  if  after  two 
or  three  doses  no  relief  is  obtained,  Pulsatilla  may  be 
administered  in  the  same  manner. 

For  other  urinary  difficulties,  see  affections  of  urinary 
organs,  chapter  IX. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation  in  infants  generally  arises  from  an  im- 
proper manner  of  living,  either  of  the  nurse  or  child. 
The  bowels  should  be  evacuated  at  least  once  a  day,  and 
if  they  are  delayed  longer  than  this,  it  will  be  necessary 


DIARRHCEA.  397 


to  assist  nature.  Frequently  entire  relief  may  be  ob- 
tained by  changing  the  food  of  the  mother  or  nurse, 
but  if  remedies  are  necessary  for  the  child,  Nux-v., 
Bryonia,  Opium  or  Sulphur  may  be  given  morning  and 
night,  changing  the  remedy  if  it  seems  to  have  pro- 
duced no  effect  in  two  or  three  days.  Cathartics  should 
never  be  used  but  when  it  is  necessary  to  obtain  a  speedy 
movement  from  the  bowels,  it  may  be  done  by  means 
of  an  injection,  consisting  of  a  small  piece  of  soap,  dis- 
solved in  a  little  tepid  water. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  six  globules,  or  one  drop,  dissolved  in  a  glass 
half-full  of  water ;  a  teaspoonful  given  at  a  dose. 

DIARRHCEA. 

Healthy  infants  usually  have  three  or  four,  and  some- 
times five  or  six  movements  in  a  day ;  should  the  dis- 
charges become  more  frequent  than  this,  be  unnatural 
in  color,  and  attended  with  more  or  less  pain,  one  of  the 
following  remedies  may  be  given : 

Chamomilla,)  where  the  diarrhoea  is  of  a  greenish, 
watery,  bilious,  yellowish  or  frothy  character,  sometimes 
looking  like  beaten  up  eggs,  and  having  an  offensive 
smell ;  and  where  it  is  attended  with  colic,  crying,  and 
restlessness. 

Rheum. — Sour-smelling  discharges ;  colic  and  straining 
before  and  after  the  discharges. 

Ipecac. — If  it  arises  from  overloading  the  stomach,  or 
is  accompanied  with  nausea  and  vomiting. 

Belladonna. — Small  and  frequent  evacuations;  great 
restlessness,  disposition  to  sleep,  and  frequent  starts. 

Dulcamara. — When  the  result  of  a  cold. 

When  accompanied  with  considerable  flatulence: 
Nuyw.  or  Pulsatilla. 

When  it  occurs  in  the  heat  of  the  summer :  Ipecac^ 
JVux-v.  or  Bryonia. 

DOSE. — Six  globules  or  one  drop  of  the  selected  remedy  in  a  glass 
half-full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 


398  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

CONVULSIONS. 

Convulsions  may  attack  infants  and  children  of  all 
ages,  and  are  almost  always  attended  with  more  or  less 
danger. 

The  causes  are  numerous.  They  may  he  the  result 
of  feebleness  on  the  part  of  parents ;  marrying  at  too 
early  or  too  advanced  an  age.  Where  the  mother  has 
been  subject  to  a  great  shock,  or  fright,  or  strong  men- 
tal emotion  before  the  birth  of  her  child,  the  child  will 
be  very  liable  to  have  convulsions  soon  after  its  birth. 
Protracted  and  difficult  labor  may  also  cause  convulsions 
in  the  child. 

They  may  also  be  occasioned  by  shame,  anger,  or 
fright;  by  tight  bandaging,  excessive  mental  emotion, 
a  loud  noise,  sudden  exposure  to  a  bright  light,  hot,  im- 
pure air,  or  severe  cold.  Want  of  proper  ventilation  is  a 
fruitful  cause  of  convulsions.  During  the  first  year  of 
life  they  may  be  traced  to  the  milk  of  the  mother  dis- 
agreeing with  the  infant.  Cases  are  by  no  means  rare 
where  fright,  passion,  or  suffering  on  the  part  of  the 
mother  gives  rise  to  such  a  change  in  her  milk  as  to  pro- 
duce convulsions,  if  the  child  is  permitted  to  nurse, 
while  the  mother  is  under  the  influence  of  these  causes. 
As  the  child  grows  older,  they  may  be  occasioned  by 
dentition,  suppressed  eruption,  a  bruise  on  the  head,  &c. 
They  also  frequently  set  in,  in  connection  with  some 
serious  disease,  as  inflammation  of  the  brain,  or  tubercles 
on  the  brain,  and  in  fact  with  nearly  all  the  serious  dis- 
eases to  which  a  child  is  subject. 

TREATMENT. — The  appearance  of  the  child  during  the 
spasm  or  convulsion  is  often  so  frightful  as  to  alarm  the 
friends  to  such  a  degree  that  they  are,  entirely  unfit  for 
action.  This  is  wrong,  for  we  certainly  can  do  no  good 
by  giving  way  to  excitement,  while  if  we  control  our 
own  feelings,  and  are  prompt  and  decided  in  our  treat- 


CONVULSIONS.  399 


merit,  we  may  frequently  be  the  means  of  saving  the 
life  of  the  child. 

The  child  should  immediately  be  placed  in  a  warm 
bath  and  left  there  five  or  ten  minutes,  or  until  the 
severity  of  the  paroxysm  is  broken.  It  should  then  be 
taken  out  and  wrapped  in  a  warm  dry  flannel.  If  the 
spasms  still  continue,  or  are  only  partially  relieved,  im- 
merse the  feet  and  legs  in  water  as  warm  as  it  can  be 
borne,  at  the  same  time  pouring  a  stream  of  cold  water 
on  the  head,  from  a  distance  of  two  or  three  feet.  This 
process  should  be  frequently  repeated,  if  necessary. 

The  first  inquiry  should  be,  the  cause  of  the  convul- 
sion. If  the  gums  are  red  and  swollen,  and  the  attack 
evidently  arises  from  dentition,  with  a  sharp  pen-knife 
they  should  be  cut,  applying  the  knife  to  the  top  of  the 
gum  and  cutting  down,  until  the  teeth  are  reached.  If 
occasioned  by  costiveness  or  irritating  substance  in  the 
stomach  or  bowels,  give  immediately  an  injection  of 
tepid  water,  sweetened  with  molasses. 

Charnwnilla  is  indicated  particularly  when  the  con- 
vulsions have  been  excited  by  teething,  a  chill  or  a  fit 
of  passion  or  vexation  ;  there  is  restlessness,  disposition 
to  drowsiness  when  awake,  moaning,  loss  of  conscious- 
ness, twitches  of  the  eyelids  and  muscles  of  the  face, 
jerks  and  convulsions  of  the  limbs,  with  clenched 
thumbs,  rolling  of  the  head  from  side  to  side. 

Belladonna. — Particularly  where  connected  with  dis- 
turbance in  the  brain  and  derangement  of  the  nervous 
system;  there  are  sudden  starts,  dilated  pupils,  rigidity 
of  differents  parts  of  the  body,  clenching  of  the  hands, 
forehead  and  hands  dry  and  burning. 

Ignatia. — Especially  during  teething,  and  in  pale  and 
delicate  infants,  where  the  fit  returns  at  regular  hours, 
and  is  followed  by  fever  and  perspiration;  convulsive 
starts,  tremor  of  the  whole  body,  attended  with  violent 


400  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

crying  and  agonizing  shrieks ;  muscles  of  single  limbs 
are  convulsed. 

Ipecac. — When  occasioned  by  undigested  food  or  an 
overloaded  stomach ;  there  is  nausea,  vomiting  and 
diarrhoea ;  constant  inclination  to  remain  in  a  recum- 
bent posture ;  convulsions  are  preceded  or  accompanied 
by  spasmodic  twitchings. 

Nux-v. — When  occasioned  by  a  fit  of  anger,  indiges- 
tion or  constipation  ;  there  are  convulsive  jerkings  of  the 
limbs  and  tossings  backward  of  the  head. 

Cina. — When  the  attacks  are  produced  by  worms. 

Opium. — Where  the  fits  are  the  result  of  a  fright, 
and  are  accompanied  with  flushed  face,  snoring  breath- 
ing, and  at  length  entire  insensibility. 

Stramonium. — Where  the  attack  is  produced  by  sud- 
den fright ;  the  convulsions  are  sudden  and  violent ; 
the  attacks  are  renewed  by  luminous  objects,  such  as  a 
mirror  or  candle,  and  are  sometimes  accompanied  with 
involuntary  discharges  of  fasces  and  urine. 

Ilyosciamus. — Convulsions  from  fright.  Twitching 
of  the  muscles  of  the  face,  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and 
great  wildness. 

ADMINISTRATION. — One  drop  of  the  tincture,  or  ten  glo- 
bules, may  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  half-full  of  water, 
and  a  teasponful,  or  a  few  drops,  given  at  a  dose ;  or 
three  globules  may  be  placed  on  the  tongue.  The  re- 
medy may  be  given  during  the  paroxysm,  every  ten  or 
twelve  minutes,  gradually  increasing  the  intervals  to 
one  hour. 

DENTITION.     TEETHING. 

The  period  of  the  first  dentition  is  subject  to  many 
variations,  but  as  a  general  thing  it  occurs  between  the 
seventh  and  the  twentieth  or  the  thirtieth  month,  al- 
though sometimes  it  is  delayed  much  longer.  The  teeth* 

*  See  plate  5. 


DENTITION.       TEETHING.  401 

usually  appear  in  each  jaw  in  couples ;  thus,  ahout  the 
seventh  month  the  two  central  incisors  of  the  lower 
jaw  appear ;  then  in  a  short  time  those  of  the  upper 
jaw,  followed  after  a  short  interval  by  the  lower  lateral 
incisors,  and  then  by  the  upper  lateral  incisors.  From 
the  twelfth  to  the  fourteenth  month  the  first  four 
molar  teeth  appear,  and  from  the  sixteenth  to  the  twen- 
tieth, the  lower  and  upper  canine  teeth ;  last  of  all  the 
last  four  molars. 

Notwithstanding  the  above  sketch  describes  the  usual 
process  of  teething,  yet  in  very  many  cases  there  are 
deviations.  Sometimes  children  are  born  with  teeth,  or 
they  make  their  appearance  shortly  after  birth.  Thus 
Louis  XIV.  of  France,  Mirabeau,  and  Richard  III.  were 
born  with  teeth.  Often  the  order  of  succession  men- 
tioned above  is  violated,  the  upper  incisors  making  their 
appearance  before  the  lower,  the  molars  before  the  canine 
teeth,  and  so  on ;  frequently  also  they  do  not  appear  in 
pairs,  there  being  a  difference  of  some  months  between 
the  appearance  of  the  first  teeth. 

But  the  first  set  of  teeth  are  only  temporary,  being 
supplanted  after  a  certain  length  of  time  by  a  perma- 
nent set.  Up  to  the  age  of  five,  six,  or  seven  years,  the 
jaws  of  a  child  may  be  said  to  contain  two  sets  of 
sockets,  which  are  kept  distinct  by  a  bony  lamina.  But 
at  length,  while  the  process  of  growth  and  development 
of  the  jaw  and  the  second  set  of  teeth  are  going  on, 
another  commences,  having  reference  to  the  first  set. 
The  root  is  gradually  absorbed,  so  that  after  a  time  the 
tooth  itself  may  easily  be  removed  with  the  fingers.  In 
its  place  the  second  or  permanent  tooth  shortly  makes 
its  appearance. 

The  first  two  central  incisors  of  the  lower  jaw  usually 
fall  away  about  the  age  of  seven  years,  and  are  speedily 
followed  by  the  permanent  teeth.  About  a  year  is  occu- 
pied in  shedding  the  four  central  incisors,  and  another 


402  DISEASES    OF    CHIIJDRFN. 

year  in  that  of  the  four  lateral  incisors.  The  anterior 
bicuspid  teeth  of  the  lower,  then  those  of  the  upper  jaw 
are  next  shed,  usually  occupying  about  a  year.  The 
posterior  bicuspids  go  next,  then  the  canine  teeth.  At 
length,  usually  before  the  age  of  twelve  or  thirteen,  the 
second  set  of  twenty-eight  teeth  is  completed.  A  few 
years  now  elapse,  when,  usually  between  the  age  of  sev- 
enteen and  twenty-one,  four  new  molar  teeth  are  put 
forth,  called  the  wisdom  teeth,  completing  the  full  num- 
ber of  thirty-two  teeth  in  the  mouth.  Deviations  from 
the  ordinary  rule,  are  as  common  with  the  second  den- 
tition as  with  the  first. 

Appearance  of  first  teeth. — If  the  child  is  healthy,  and 
the. process  of  dentition  favorable,  the  suffering  is  slight. 
For  some  time  the  gums  are  swollen  ;  the  child  dribbles 
incessantly  and  thrusts  its  finger  or  any  thing  it  can 
seize  into  its  mouth.  As  the  teeth  advance,  the  gums 
swell,  and  become  tender,  but  with  a  feeling  of  tension 
and  itching,  which  causes  the  child  to  wish  to  bite  some 
hard  substance.  The  gums  are  inflamed,  and  are  hot  to 
the  finger;  the  child  is  fretful  and  uneasy.  Dentition 
is  usually  more  severe  in  winter  than  in  summer. 

In  severe  cases  of  dentition,  the  symptoms  are  much 
more  violent;  the  mouth  is  hot,  the  gums  swollen  and  so 
exceedingly  sensitive,  that  the  child  does  not  wish  them 
touched.  There  is  fever,  thirst,  and  sometimes  convul- 
sions. 

Connected  with  teething  there  are  many  sympathetic 
affections.  There  may  be  either  constipation,  or  diar- 
rhoea, swelling  and  suppuration  of  the  glands,  eruptions 
on  the  head  and  other  parts  of  the  body,  cough,  and 
great  irritability  of  the  nervous  system. 

TREATMENT. — It  is  important  that  the  bowels  should  be 
kept  open  and  the  head  cool,  as  there  is  more  or  less 
determination  of  blood  to  the  head.  The  child  should 
be  permitted  to  bite  on  some  hard  or  elastic  substance, 


DENTITION.  403 


such  as  a  crust  of  bread,  a  piece  of  silver,  ivory,  or  in- 
dia-rubber. If  the  gums  are  hot,"  swollen,  and  painful, 
they  may  be  bathed  with  cold  water,  and  if  they  are 
evidently  near  the  surface,  and  there  is  danger  of  con- 
vulsions, they  may  be  cut  with  a  knife,  being  careful  to 
cut  through  the  gums  until  the  teeth  are  reached.  This 
operation  however  is  very  seldom  necessary. 

Aconiti  * — Should  there  much  fever  and  restlessness. 
Aconite  may  be  given  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Belladonna  will  be  indicated,  if  there  is  derange- 
ment of  the  nervous  system,  swollen  and  inflamed  gums, 
flushed  face,  and  indications  that  the  brain  is  becoming 
involved.  Also  where  there  are  convulsions  generally 
followed  by  sleep :  the  child  starts  from  sleep  as  if 
frightened  ;  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  are  dilated ;  the  body 
becomes  stiff,  and  there  is  burning  heat  in  the  temples 
and  hands. 

DOSE. — The  remedy  is  often  required  in  alternation  with  Aconite. 
Twelve  globules,  or  two  drops,  may  be  mixed  with  a  glass  half-full  of 
water,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  one,  two,  or  three  hours  apart,  according 
to  the  symptoms.  When  given  alone,  it  may  be  taken  once  in  three 
or  four  hours,  except  in  cases  of  convulsions,  when  it  should  be 
given  once  in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  See  Convulsions, 

Charnomilla  is  a  prominent  remedy  in  many  of  the 
difficulties  connected  with  teething.  It  is  particularly 
useful  where  the  child  is  restless  and  uneasy  at  night, 
has  spasmodic  jerking  and  twitching  of  the  limbs  during 
sleep,  starts  from  the  slightest  noise;  hacking  cough 
and  oppression  of  the  chest;  also  where  there  is  diar- 
rhoea with  watery,  slimy  and  greenish  evacuations,  worse 
at  night.  See  also  IKarrho&a. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Ciit a. — Dry  cough,  and  disposition  to  rub  the  nose, 
and  also  to  grate  the  teeth  during  sleep,  together  with 
other  symptoms  of  worms, 

DOSE. — Prepare  same  as  Belladonna,  and  give  morning  and  night. 

*  For  further  directions  as  to  the  administration  of  remedies,  see  page  12. 


404  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 


. — When  the  child  is  restless,  nervous,  and  can- 
not sleep.  Give  the  same  as  Cina. 

Ijx'cac.,  where  there  is  nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea. 
Prepare  same  as  Bell.  Give  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Tgnatia. — Convulsive  jerkings  of  single  limbs  ;  heat 
followed  by  perspiration.  Starting  from  sleep,  with 
piercing  cries.  Give  same  as  Ipecac.  Consult  Convul- 
sions. 

Calcarea  should  be  given  where  the  teeth  are  slow  in 
making  their  appearance.  Two  globules  or  a  powder 
may  be  taken  every  night. 

Mercurius. — Diarrhoea  with  straining  ;  profuse  saliva- 
tion and  redness  and  soreness  of  the  gums.  Give  two 
globules  or  a  powder  three  times  a  day. 

Nux-v.  and  Bryonia,  should  be  given,  where  there  is 
obstinate  constipation ;  three  globules  or  a  powder  of 
one,  one  night,  and  the  same  quantity  of  the  other  the 
next.  Follow  in  a  week's  time  if  necessary,  by  Sulphur 
in  alternation  with  JVux-v.  in  the  same  manner. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — If  the  child  is  nursing,  the  mother 
or  nurse  should  pay  particular  attention  to  her  own 
diet ;  if  it  has  already  been  weaned,  its  diet  should  be 
sample,  and  unstimulating,  avoiding  those  articles  which 
have  a  tendency  to  derange  the  system.  Cleanliness  is 
of  course  essential  as  well  as  pure  air.  Daily  bathing 
should  be  practiced,  and  the  rooms  kept  thoroughly  ven- 
tilated. 

DROPSY     OF    THE     BRAIN. 

Ilydrocephalus. 

This  disease,  so  full  of  danger  to  the  child,  has  an 
acute  and  chronic  form.  We  shall  first  notice  the  acute 
variety. 

ACUTE  HYDROCEPHALUS. 

In  one  variety  of  the  disease  the  child  may  exhibit 
for  some  time  symptoms  of  deranged  health,  such  as 


DROPSY  OF  THE  BRAIN.  405 

loss  of  appetite,  wandering  pains,  deranged  state  of  the 
bowels,  headache,  crick  in  the  neck,  and  a  growing 
weakness.  Accompanying  these  symptoms  there  may 
be  occasional  chills,  pale  countenance,  and  disturbed 
temper.  At  length  the  child  complains  of  headache,  or 
if  an  infant,  gives  signs  of  it  by  putting  its  hands  to  its 
head,  rolling  it  uneasily  about.  To  this  succeeds  vomiting, 
the  child  becomes  dull  and  heavy,  complaining  of  weari- 
ness, and  is  sensitive  to  light  and  noise.  Thus  the  dis- 
ease may  continue  for  several  days,  but  by  degrees  fe- 
brile paroxysms  are  observed,  the  vomiting  continues, 
the  bowels  are  generally  torpid,  the  urine  scanty  and 
frequently  voided.  The  child  gradually  becomes  dull 
and  stupid.  He  becomes  greatly  emaciated,  the  pulse 
increases,  decided  symptoms  of  pressure  on  the  brain 
are  seen,  in  starting,  screaming,  and  partial  or  complete 
convulsions,  with  insensibility,  squinting,  glazed  eye,  &c. 
This  state  may  continue  for  two  or  three  days,  until  at 
length  it  is  terminated  by  a  convulsion  or  coma. 

Again,  the  disease  may  be  sudden  in  its  development, 
and  marked  by  high  fever.  The  child  complains  of  se- 
vere pain  in  its  head,  or  pressing  it  with  its  hands,  and 
rolling  it  from  side  to  side,  indicates  the  locality  of  the 
suifering ;  or  it  may  lie  still,  heavy,  and  dull,  with  an 
occasional  cry  of  pain.  The  eyes  are  sometimes  heavy, 
and  have  a  muddy  expression,  but  they  are  more  fre-  • 
quently  bright  and  restless,  having  a  peculiar  stare  and 
moving  quickly  from  one  object  to  another.  The  child 
is  generally  wakeful,  or  sleeping  restlessly,  drowsy,  but 
waking  up  suddenly,  crying  or  screaming,  as  from  fright. 
There  is  an  entire  loss  of  appetite,  nausea,  and  vomiting. 

Thus  far  the  disease  may  have  advanced  with  more 
or  less  rapidity,  but  at  length  the  fever  rapidly  becomes 
intense,  with  occasional  intermissions;  there  is  great 
heat  in  the  head,  severe  headache,  delirium,  and  often 
loud  outcries.  The  eyes  are  bright  but  sunken,  the  pu- 


406  DISEASES    OF   CHILDREN. 

pils  contracted,  and  painfully  sensitive  to  light,  as  the 
ears  are  to  sound.  The  pulse  varied,  sometimes  quick, 
at  others  irregular  or  intermitting.  The  vomiting  usual- 
ly continues,  and  the  constipation  increases. 

As  the  disease  advances,  the  symptoms  gradually 
change  from  those  of  excitement  to  those  consequent  on 
effusion  or  pressure.  The  headache  is  less  complained 
of,  although  the  head  is  still  rolled  about  uneasily ;  the 
delirium  subsides  or  occurs  occasionally ;  the  sensibility 
of  the  eye  is  gradually  lost,  the  pupil  is  generally  di- 
lated, and  it  is  evident  the  patient  can  no  longer  see  ; 
the  eye  is  rolled  about,  turned  upward,  or  squinting  takes 
place ;  the  hearing,  which  may  for  a  time  have  been 
acute,  at  length  diminishes,  until  the  infant  seems  un- 
conscious of  sound.  The  convulsions,  which  may  have 
occurred  at  intervals  from  the  commencement  of  the 
disease,  now  increase  in  frequency  and  sometimes  in 
strength,  or  perhaps  there  may  be  convulsions  of  one 
side  of  the  body  and  paralysis  of  the  other. 

About  this  time  a  new  symptom  is  developed,  the 
sharp  piercing  scream,  which  the  child  utters  from  time 
to  time,  which  adds  so  much  to  the  distress  of  the 
mother,  but  which  is  not  in  reality  the  result  of  pain. 
During  the  intervals  of  the  convulsions,  consciousness 
and  sensibility  diminish  until  they  are  finally  lost.  The 
child  now  lies  quiet,  occasionally  moving  the  head  of 
throwing  about  an  arm  or  leg ;  the  eyes  are  open  or  only 
half  closed,  and  acquire'  a  glazed  appearance ;  the  face 
is  pallid,  sometimes  wax -like,  without  expression  ;  some- 
times sunken  and  anxious,  as  representing  the  last  con- 
scious feeling ;  the  vomiting  rarely  continues ;  the 
bowels  are  sometimes  evacuated  unconsciously,  but  ge- 
nerally confined.  The  attack  terminates  by  a  convul- 
sion or  in  coma. 

The  duration  of  this  form  of  the  disease  varies  from 
thirty-six  hours  to  ten  or  twelve  days. 


DROPSY  OF  THE  BRAIN.  407 

Another  variety  of  this  disease  has  been  called  the 
41  water-stroke?  It  consists  of  a  sudden  almost  instan- 
taneous effusion  of  fluid  within  the  brain,  and  may  occur 
either  idiopathically,  or  as  the  result  of  obstructed  se- 
cretion from  some  other  organ,  or  as  a  secondary  af- 
fection in  the  course  of  some  other  disease,  as  small- 
pox, measles,  or  other  febrile  eruptions,  or  on  the  sud- 
den stoppage  of  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  or  profuse  per- 
spiration. The  child  may  go  to  bed  apparently  well, 
or  suffering  from  some  other  disease,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing it  may  be  found  dead.  Or  it  may  be  attacked  by 
a  convulsion,  followed  by  paralysis,  or  apparent  apo- 
plexy, with  insensibility,  stertorous  breathing,  dilated 
or  contracted  pupils,  terminating  in  death  after  a  few 
hours. 

TREATMENT. — Medical  aid  should  be  obtained  as  SOOD 
as  possible.  The  external  application  of  cold  is  highly 
beneficial.  The  best  way  of  applying  it  is  by  filling  a 
bladder  with  pounded  ice,  and  placing  it  on  the  head. 

Aconite  should  be  given  in  the  commencement  of  the 
disease  if  the  skin  is  hot  and  the  pulse  quick. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules  in  a  tumbler  half-full  of  water, 
a  tablespoonful  once  in  two  hours ;  or  two  globules  on  the  tongue  at 
the  same  intervals. 

Belladonna. — Great  heat  and  severe  pain  in  the  head ; 
burying  the  head  in  the  pillow  or  moving  it  from  side 
to  side ;  sensitiveness  to  light  or  noise ;  shooting  or 
burning  pains  in  the  head,  eyes  red  and  sparkling,  or 
with  a  wild  expression;  contraction  or  dilation  of  the 
pupils ;  violent  delirium ;  drowsiness  and  stupor ;  loss 
of  consciousness ;  frantic  screams  ;  low  muttering ;  nau- 
sea, vomiting,  and  convulsions. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half-full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  at  a  dose.  If  in  alternation  with  Hyosciamus  or  Hel- 
lebore, give  one  or  two  hours  apart ;  if  alone,  give  every  one  or  two 
hours,  according  to  severity  of  symptoms. 

Hyosciamus. — Especially  where  there  are  violent  con- 


408 


vulsions;  loss  of  consciousness;  delirium;  redness  of 
the  face  with  wild  or  fixed  look ;  picking  at  the  bed- 
clothes. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

^//'ammonium. — The  symptoms  resemble  those  indi- 
cating Belladonna  or  Ihjosciamus ;  the  spasmodic  or 
convulsive  symptoms  are  more  prominent. 

//•  AW/'//-. — A  highly  important  remedy  in  all  well 
marked  and  severe  cases.  There  is  total  loss  of  nervous 
control ;  the  senses  are  generally  obtuse,  and  the  head 
feels  stupefied ;  the  look  is  fixed  and  vacant ;  the  eyes 
turned  upward  and  remain  half  open  during  sleep. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna. 

Opium.  Lethargic  sleep,  with  snoring  respiration : 
confusion  or  giddiness  after  waking.  Give  once  in  two 
or  three  hours. 

Bryonia. — Constipation,  yellow-coated  tongue ;  hurri- 
ed, laborious,  and  anxious  respiration ;  great  thirst,  de- 
lirium, sudden  starts  with  cries. 

Ithux. — In  the  low  protracted  form  of  the  disease,  and 
also  where  there  is  headache,  giddiness,  and  heaviness 
of  the  head ;  aching,  pressing  pain  in  the  back  of  the 
head,  with  creeping  sensation;  drowsiness,  convulsive 
movement  of  the  limbs,  and  great  restlessness  at  night. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Belladonna.     Give  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Arsenic. — Particularly  in  the  chronic  variety,  where 
there  is  debility,  weak  and  irregular  pulse,  and  marked 
intermission  in  the  disease. 

Sulphur. — Particularly  towards  the  termination  of  the 
disease;  also  where  the  appropriate  remedy  seems  to 
have  lost  effect,  in  which  case  two  or  three  doses  may 
be  given,  and  then  return  again  to  the  original  remedy. 

2.     CHRONIC    HYDROCEPHALUS. 
This  variety  of  the  disease  may  be  symptomatic  of 
other  diseases  of  the  brain,  as  tubercles,  &c.    It  is  some- 


INFANTILE   REMITTENT   FEVER.  409 

times  the  sequel  of  the  acute  form,  in  which  case  the 
symptoms  subside  in  a  great  degree,  but  do  not  entirely 
disappear.  It  frequently  set^  in  without  any  acute  form. 
There  is  headache,  drowsiness,  and  unequal  temper.  The 
intellect  is  generally  clouded,  and  all  the  organs  of  sense 
more  or  less  affected.  There  is  a  peculiar  look  to  the 
eyes,  sometimes  squinting,  and  the  pupils  sometimes 
dilated. 

After  effusion  takes  place,  the  intelligence  is  more  or 
less  affected,  except  in  those  cases,  where  the  head 
rapidly  enlarges,  when  for  a  time  the  intellect  may  be 
even  brighter  than  usual.  After  a  time  the  child  retro- 
grades until  it  has  the  look  of  an  idiot,  forgetful, 
babbling  words  without  meaning,  until  at  last  it  sinks 
into  indifference,  stupor  or  coma.  A  striking  feature  of 
the  disease  is  the  enlargement  of  the  head,  which  some- 
times reaches  an  enormous  size.  The  face  after  a  time 
seems  to  shrink,  presenting  an  old  and  withered  look. 
The  limbs  are  feeble  and  the  walk  uncertain.  Very 
often  the  child  is  attacked  by  general  or  partial  con- 
vulsions, followed  by  paralysis,  which  may  effect  nearly 
all  the  organs  of  the  body.  The  pulse  gradually  becomes 
weak,  the  respiration  after  a  time  fails,"  and  the  appetite 
at  length  diminishes. 

This  disease  may  be  developed  during  the  progress  of 
scarlatina,  measles,  small-pox,  hooping  cough,  difficult 
dentition,  &c. 

TREATMENT. — We  can  only  mention  here  some  of  the 
prominent  remedies.  Among  them  we  may  notice  Arse- 
nic, Hellebore,  Mercury,  Sulphur.  For  particular  indi- 
cations, see  acute  Hydrocephalus.  The  appropriate 
remedy  should  be  administered  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

INFANTILE  REMITTENT  FEVER. 
This  is  a  variety  of  fever,  to  which  children  from  one 
to  ten  or  twelve  years  of  age  are  liable  to  be  affected. 
18 


410  DISEASES    OF   CHILDREN. 


It  is  characterized  by  one  or  more  daily  exacerbations 
and  remissions,  by  pain  in  the  belly  and  sometimes  in 
the  head,  loss  of  appetite  .  and  by  an  unnatural  state  of 
the  alvine  discharges.  It  is  very  often,  although  erro- 
neously, attributed  to  worms,  and  sometimes  called 
"worm  fever" 

The  affection  usually  comes  on  gradually,  manifesting 
itself  generally  by  irregularities  in  the  bowels,  which 
are  usually  costive.  In  the  course  of  the  day  there  are 
several  slight  accessions  of  fever,  marked  by  drowsiness, 
in  the  intervals  appearing  well,  though  peevish.  The 
appetite  is  variable,  and  the  pulse  ranges  from  100  to 
130.  These  symptoms  may  continue  for  8  or  10  days, 
when  a  violent  paroxysm  sets  in,  preceded  by  chilliness 
and  attended  with  vomiting,  the  pulse  rises  in  frequency, 
the  drowsiness  is  increased,  and  the  cheeks  are  flushed. 
There  is  picking  of  the  nose,  lips,  and  angles  of  the  eyes. 
Cough  may  also  be  present,  also  grinding  of  the  teeth, 
and  startings  in  sleep.  Digestion  is  deranged,  and  food 
taken  into  the  stomach  is  brought  up  some  time  after, 
or  is  evacuated  from  the  bowels  apparently  undigested, 
and  resembling  a  mass  of  putrid  animal  and  vegetable 
matter  subjected  to  heat  and  moisture;  sometimes  worms 
appear  in  the  discharges.  The  breath  is  sickly,  appetite 
is  gone,  and  delirium  sometimes  occurs  for  two  or  three 
days  together.  The  causes  of  the  disease  may  be  traced 
in  part  to  the  use  of  improper  food,  neglect  of  the  bowels, 
want  of  pure  air,  and  cleanliness. 

TREATMENT. — Ipecac,  should  commence  the  treatment, 
particularly  if  the  attack  has  been  occasioned  by  in- 
digestible food  or  eating  too  fast.  There  is  heat,  thirst; 
extreme  restlessness ;  perspiration  at  night,  foul  tongue, 
quick  breathing,  nausea  and  vomiting. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules ;  on  the  tongue  once  in  three 
hours. 

. — If  Ipecac,  fail  to  produce  relief  after  five 


INFANTILE    REMITTENT    FEVER.  411 

or  six  doses,  or  there  is  fetid  whitish  or  bilious  diar- 
rhoea, accompanied  with  griping  and  distention  of  the 
bowels. 

DOSE. — One  drop  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  once  in  three  or  four  hours. 

Nux-v. — Constipated  bowels  with  frequent  inclination 
to  stool,  or  straining  followed  by  watery  motions,  mixed 
with  mucus  or  blood ;  peevish  temper,  loss  of  appetite, 
nausea,  disgust  at  food,  restlessness. 

Dos^:. — Same  as  Ipecac. 

Chamomilla. — Lethargic  sleep,  or  restless  and  agitated 
with  frequent  jerks  and  starts  of  the  limbs;  head  hot 
and  heavy,  skin  hot,  pulse  quick,  thirst,  nausea  and 
bilious  vomiting ;  constipation  or  diarrhoea  with  greenish 
evacuations. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Belladonna. — In  alternation  with  Chamomilla,  where 
there  is  considerable  disturbance  about  the  head ;  ten- 
derness of  the  bowels  to  the  slightest  pressure. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Pulsatilla. 

Bryonia. — Constipation,  sometimes  alternating  with 
diarrhoea,  derangement  of  the  stomach  and  painful 
state  of  the  bowels;  headache,  thirst,  and  laborious 
respiration. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  once  in  four  hours. 

Mercury. — Tenderness  of  the  bowels,  cloudy  or  milk- 
like  urine ;  diarrhoea,  with  straining  stools,  mixed  with 
slime  or  blood. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ipecac. 

Cina. — Picking  at  the  nose  and  lips,    starting    and 
screaming  during  sleep,  colic  and  diarrhoea. 
DOSE. — Same  as  Bryonia. 

Sulphur. — After  the  employment  of  other  remedies, 
to  complete  the  cure. 

DOSE. — A  powder  morning  and  night. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Particular  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  diet,  which  should  be  of  a  light  farinaceous 


4:12  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

character,  such  as  toast,  gruels,  &c.,  carefully  avoiding  the 
more  solid  articles  of  food,  such  as  meat  and  fish. 

INTESTINAL    WORMS. 

It  is  very  common  to  refer  those  little  ailments  which 
children  are  so  liable  to  have,  and  for  which  no  cause 
can  readily  be  found,  to  worms,  when  in  reality  worms 
have  nothing  to  do  with  difficulty.  The  presence  of 
worms,  is  often  looked  upon  as  the  cause  of  all  the 
suffering.  This  is  a  mistake,  for  notwithstanding  certain 
symptoms  are  coincident  with  their  presence,  yet  these 
symptoms  are  usually  a  coincidence  merely,  or  the  result 
of  an  irritation,  which  gives  rise  to  worms,  or  which 
disturbs  them  in  their  usual  quiet.  Worms  often  exist 
in  the  system,  when  no  unpleasant  symptoms  are  present. 
Worms  may  be  developed  in  every  part  of  the  system, 
but  they  are  more  frequently  found  in  the  intestinal 
canal.  Some  of  the  prominent  varieties  we  shall  briefly 
notice. 

a.  Ascaris  lumbricoides,  unusually  occupy  the  small 
intestines,  sometimes  in  great  numbers,  and  occasionally 
accumulating  in  the  form  of  a  ball.  They  are  usually 
from  three  to  twelve  inches  long,  occasionally  find  their 
way  into  the  stomach,  and  may  be  discharged  through 
the  mouth  or  nostrils. 

5.  TcBnia,  or  tapeworm,  is  white,  flat  und  very  long, 
often  twenty  feet,  and  sometimes  it  is  said  even  sixty  or 
seventy  feet  in  length.  It  is  usually  found  in  the  small 
intestines,  and  is  one  of  the  worst  variety  of  worms. 

c.  The  long  thread-worm  is  usually  found  in  the  upper 
portion  of  the  large  intestines.    It  is  from  an  inch  to 
two  inches  in  length,  the  anterior  portion  of  the  body 
being  slender  like  a  hair,  and  the  rest  much  thicker. 

d.  Ascarides,  or  pin -worms,  are  very  small,  white,  and 
slender,  and  are  found  in  large  numbers  in  the  large 


INTESTINAL   WORMS.  413 


intestines,  and  especially  in  the  rectum,  from  whence 
they  may  often  be  wiped  away  with  a  cloth. 

DIAGNOSIS.. — Preceding  and  accompanying  the  appear- 
ance of  worms,  are  derangements  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels.  There  may  be  disgust  of  food ;  appetite  some- 
times nearly  gone,  at  others  voracious,  or  each  alternate- 
ly ;  hiccough ;  fetid  breath,  nausea  and  mucus  or  acid 
vomiting ;  belching  of  wind,  umbilical  colic,  sometimes 
constipation,  at  others  glairy  or  mucus  diarrhoea. 

To  these  symptoms  are  added  puffiness  of  the  face, 
emaciation  and  weakness,  tickling  cough,  headache, 
agitation,  sleeplessness,  dilated  pupils,  itching  and 
picking  of  the  nose,  grinding  of  the  teeth,  creeping  of 
the  skin,  and  some  fever.  There  may  be  more  or  less 
pain  about  the  bowels,  and  swelling  of  the  abdomen,  and 
the  urine  is  generally  yellowish,  or  whitish,  like  milk 
and  water.  There  is  also,  sometimes,  bleeding  at  the 
nose,  and  convulsions. 

Some  of  the  signs  indicating  the  presence  of  tape- 
worm, are,  sensation  as  if  something  were  rising  in  the 
throat  and  falling  back,  or  as  if  there  were  a  lump  in 
the  side,  making  an  undulatory  motion. 

The  signs  indicating  pin-worms  are,  violent  itching  in 
the  anus,  difficulty  in  making  water,  and  if  in  the  female, 
often  liucorrhcea. 

TREATMENT. — This  variety  of  disease  occurs  principally 
in  infancy,  and  may  give  rise  to  an  almost  innumerable 
variety  of  symptoms.  Particular  attention  should  be 
directed  to  the  general  health.  The  food  should  be 
simple  and  easy  of  digestion,  the  whole  body  bathed 
every  day,  either  with  cold  or  tepid  water,  moderate 
exercise  should  be  taken ;  and  unventilated  rooms  and 
impure  air  carefully  avoided. 

Aconite  is  particularly  indicated  in  the  commencement, 
where  febrile  symptoms  are  present,  with  restlessness  at 


414  DTSEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

night,  and  irritability  of  temper ;  and  also  where  there 
is  continued  burning  and  itching  at  the  anus. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  during  the  presence  of  fever,  once  in  two  hours. 

Ignatla  may  follow  A coni fe  after  the  febrile  symptoms 
have  subsided,  especially  if  there  are  spasmodic  twitch- 
ings  in  the  muscles  of  the  anus,  or  intense  itching  in  the 
anus,  indicating  the  presence  of  pin-worms. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite. 

Cina. — Boring  at  the  nose,  irritable  temper,  fits  of 
crying  when  touched,  restlessness,  a  desire  for  things 
which  are  rejected  when  offered;  paleness  of  the  face, 
with  livid  circle  around  the  eyes;  constant  craving  for 
food;  colic  pains  and  hardness  of  the  bowels,  constipation 
or  diarrhoeic  evacuations,  great  restlessness  at  night, 
tossing  about,  starting,  talking  or  calling  out  suddenly 
during  sleep;  weakness  of  the  limbs;  occasional  delirium; 
face  at  times  pale  and  cold,  at  others  red  and  hot;  nausea 
and  vomiting,  prostration  and  occasionally  convulsive 
movements  in  the  limbs ;  itching  in  the  anus,  and  crawl- 
ing out  of  pin- worms;  urine  white  and  turbid,  sometimes 
passing  involuntarily. 

DOSE. — Prepare  same  as  Aconite-     Give  once  in  six  hours. 

Spigclia. — Especially  where  the  symptoms  recur  at 
about  the  same  time  of  the  day;  there  may  be  colic, 
diarrhoea  and  craving  for  food,  also  fever. 

DOSE. — Where  the  symptoms  are  violent,  the  same  as  Aconite.  In 
chronic  cases  every  night. 

Belladonna. — Great  nervous  excitement ;  delirium  at 
night  with  starting  during  sleep,  severe  colic,  headache 
and  fever. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Aconite,  with  which,  if  much  fever  be  present,  it 
may  by  alternated. 

Silicea  may  follow  Belladonna,  if  the  patient  is  of 
tuberculous  habit,  and  that  remedy  fails  to  produce 
effect.  It  may  also  be  given  where  the  disease  assumes 
a  slow  chronic  form. 


DIARRHOEA.  415 


DOSE. — A  powder,  or  dry  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Mercury. — Diarrhoea,  distension  of  the  bowels,  and 
increased  secretion  of  saliva. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  morning  and  night. 

Nux  v. — Derangement  of  the  stomach,  with  constipa- 
tion, nausea,  and  painful  sensibility  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Mercury. 

China. — Long-continued  diarrhoea,  distension  and  pain- 
ful sensation  of  the  abdomen  and  stomach ;  debility, 
great  nervous  excitability  with  spasmodic  twitching  of 
the  muscles. 

DOSE. — The  drops,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful 
morning  and  night. 

Sulphur. — After  the  prominent  symptoms  have  sub- 
sided, to  complete  the  cure. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  every  night. 

DIET  AND  REGIMEN. — Fruits  and  vegetables  should  be 

prohibited,  as  well  as  pastry  and  sweetmeats.  The  diet 

should  consist  principally  of  meat  broths,  except  in 
acute  cases,  when  it  should  be  the  same  as  in  fevers. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Summer   Complaint. 

Children  are  very  liable  to  derangement  of  the  sto- 
mach and  bowels,  especially  during  teething,  and  the 
warm  weather  of  summer.  Particular  attention  should 
be  given  to  the  food.  Vegetables  and  uncooked  fruit 
should  be  prohibited.  Daily  bathing,  fresh  air,  and  if 
residing  in  the  city,  a  trip  into  the  country  are  advisable. 

Ipecac,  should  be  given  where  there  is  nausea,  vomit- 
ing, no  appetite ;  fermented  stools,  mixed  with  mucus, 
sometimes  tinged  with  blood;  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels 
and  sometimes  straining. 

Bryonia. — Especially  during  hot  weather,  and  where 
there  is  thirst,  putrid  smell  of  the  stools,  and  nausea 
after  eating. 


416  DISEASES   OF    CHILDREN. 

Chamomitta.— Where  there  is  great  restlessness,  green- 
ish diarrhoea,  and  more  or  less  rumbling  or  cutting  pain 
in  the  bowels. 

Veratrum  will  generally  arrest  diarrhoea  of  a  watery 
character. 

Stibium. — Nausea,  offensive  stools,  gagging  and  great 
prostration. 

Dulcamara. — Diarrhoea,  the  result  of  cold. 

Mercury. — Straining,  like  dysentery,  with  colic,  and 
bloody  or  slimy  discharges. 

Sul/phur.  — In  obstinate  cases.  Give  a  powder  morning 
and  evening. 

For  indications  of  other  remedies,  see  Cholera  infan- 
tum. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water  ; 
in  severe  cases,  a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours ;  when  the 
symptoms  are  less  violent  every  four  or  six  hours. 

CHOLERA    INFANTUM. 

This  disease  is  confined  to  infants,  generally  between 
the  age  of  four  and  twenty  months,  and  occurs  mostly 
during  the  summer  months. 

The  attack  is  sometimes  preceded  by  diarrhoea,  but  in 
most  cases  the  vomiting  and  purging  commence  together, 
and  are  attended  with  great  prostration ;  sometimes  there 
are  premonitory  symptoms,  such  as  languor,  fretfulness, 
loss  of  appetite,  or  craving  for  food.  At  first  the  dis- 
charge from  the  bowels  usually  consists. of  a  turbid 
frothy  fluid,  mixed  with  portions  of  green  bile,  or  of  a 
nearly  colorless  water  containing  small  flocculi  of  mucus, 
but  after  the  disease  is  fully  developed,  it  loses  all  trace 
of  bilious  matter.  In  some  cases  the  disease  proceeds 
with  such  violence  as  to  terminate  in  death  in  a  single 
day,  but  usually  the  vomiting  and  purging,  though  vio- 
lent are  not  so  rapid  as  to  prostrate  the  system  imme- 
diately. Sometimes  the  vomiting  after  four  or  five 
hours,  gradually  ceases,  while  the  diarrhoaa  goes  on  until 


CHOLERA   INFANTUM.  417 


it  assumes  a  chronic  character.  In  the  early  stage  of 
the  disease,  there  is  a  peculiarly  distressing  sensation  in 
the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  where  the  discharges  are 
violent  and  frequent,  there  may  be  cramps  or  spasms  in 
the  muscles  of  the  abdomen  and  extremities. 

If  the  disease  continues  even  for  a  few  days,  rapid 
emaciation  ensues,  the  countenance  "becomes  pale  and 
contracted,  the  eyes  sunk,  the  nose  sharp,  and  the  lips 
thin,  dry,  and  wrinkled.  The  thirst  is  great,  but  the  cold 
water  so  much  desired,  is  thrown  up  almost  as  soon  as 
swallowed.  At  length,  if  the  disease  is  not  checked,  the 
patient  becomes  somnolent,  sleeps  with  its  eyes  half 
open,  rolls  its  head  about  when  awake,  and  at  last  sinks 
into  insensibility  and  coma,  and  dies  in  convulsions,  or 
under  symptoms  resembling  acute  hydrocephalus.  If 
the  disease  is  of  long  duration,  the  discharges  at  length 
become  offensive  and  acrid,  and  food  passes  undigested 
through  the  bowels.  Aphthae  appears  on  the  tongue, 
and  inside  of  the  cheeks,  and  the  face  has  a  bloated  ap- 
pearance. 

TREATMENT. — The  treatment  should  be  prompt  and  ac- 
tive, as  the  delay  of  a  few  hours  will  often  allow  the 
disease  to  gain  such  headway  as  to  bid  defiance  to  all 
efforts  at  control. 

Ipecac,  should  be  given  at  the  commencement  of  the 
disease  in  alternation  with  Veratrum.  Its  indications 
are  nausea,  vomiting ;  diarrhoea  of  fermented  stools,  or 
watery  diarrhoea  with  white  flocks ;  great  thirst. 

VeratrUrn  is  indicated  by  the  great  exhaustion,  violent 
vomiting  and  diarrhoea ;  vomiting  produced  by  the 
slightest  movement,  or  even  taking  cold  water,  for  which 
there  is  great  desire ;  sensitiveness  over  the  pit  of  the 
stomach  and  sometimes  cramps. 

DOSE. —  Veratrum,  in  alternation  with  Ipecac,  or  following  that 
remedy,  will  usually  he  sufficient  to  arrest  the  violent  symptoms. 
Mix  two  drops,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 

18* 


418  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

and  give  ateaspoonful  in  alternation,  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  apart,  in- 
creasing the  intervals  and  as  the  symptoms  abate. 

Arsenic. — If  there  are  cold  extremities ;  nausea  and 
vomiting;  great  prostration,  thirst  and  offensive  diar- 
rhoea. 

DOSE  — A  powder,  or  three   globules,  once  in  two  hours. 
For  other  remedies  indicated   during  the  progress  of 
the  disease,  see  Hydrocephalus^  page  387,  also  Diarr/tcea, 
page  229  and  394. 

DIET  and  REGIME \. — The  food  should  consist  mostly 
of  gruels.  Cold  water  may  be  given  a  little  at  a  time. 

CROUP. 

The  approach  of  this  terrible  disease  fills  the  mother's 
heart  with  alarm,  for  she  has  learned  to  dread  its  fearful 
ravages,  and  to  rightly  look  upon  it  as  the  scourge  of 
infancy.  The  ringing,  brassy  cough,  which  characterizes 
the  disease,  is  so  peculiar,  that  once  heard  it  is  never 
forgotten.  It  generally  attacks  children  between  the  age 
of  one  and  five  years,  although  it  sometimes  occurs  at  a 
later  period,  or  even  when  the  child  is  not  more  than 
four  or  five  months  old.  It  consists  of  an  inflammation 
of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  larynx  or  windpipe, 
the  inflamed  surface  secreting  a  kind  of  thick  lymph, 
which  narrows  the  passage  for  the  admission  of  air,  and 
at  length  a  false  membrane  may  he  formed,  which  al- 
most or  entirely  chokes  up  the  passage,  causing  the  child 
to  die  from  suffocation.  Our  object  in  the  treatment,  is 
of  course  to  remove  this  secretion,  which  is  filling  the 
windpipe  and  choking  the  child,  by  dissolving  it,  or 
causing  it  to  be  thrown  up,  at  the  same  time  breaking 
up  the  inflamed  state  of  the  organ,  thereby  checking 
its  diseased  secretions. 

DIAGNOSIS. — Preceding  an  attack  of  croup,  there  is  gene- 
rally more  or  less  fever,  cough,  huskiness  of  voice,  and 
other  catarrhal  symptoms.  These  symptoms  may  only 


CROUP.  419 

last  a  few  hours,  and  do  not  usually  continue  longer  than 
twenty-four  hours.  These  symptoms  increase  towards 
evening,  or  the  attack  may  come  on  without  any  pre- 
monitory symptoms,  the  child  suddenly  awakes  out  of 
a  sound  sleep  by  a  sensation  of  suffocation,  with  a  hoarse, 
ringing  cough,  hurried  respiration  and  great  distress. 
The  cough  resembles  slightly  the  crowing  of  a  cock,  or 
the  bark  of  a  dog;  it  has  a  peculiar  ringing  or  brassy 
sound,  like  air  passing  through  a  brazen  instrument. 
The  paroxysms  of  coughing  become  more  frequent  and 
spasmodic,  until  breathing  is  almost  suspended.  It  is 
with  great  difficulty  the  child  can  breathe,  and  its  flushed 
face,  sometimes  bedewed  with  sweat,  its  clenched  hands, 
arms  tossing  about,  removing  all  covering  from  the  chest, 
and  its  look  of  intense  agony,  show  the  violence  of  its 
struggles  for  breath.  The  pulse  is  quick,  the  skin  hot, 
the  face  livid  and  swollen,  the  eyes  injected  and  almost 
seeming  to  start  from  their  sockets,  the  child  restless,  and 
tossing  from  side  to  side,  in  the  vain  hope  of  obtaining 
relief  by  a  change  of  position. 

There  may  be  a  partial  remission  of  symptoms  during 
the  day,  returning  again  at  night  with  renewed  violence. 
All  the  symptoms  are  now  fearfully  aggravated.  The 
voice  is  whispering  and  almost  suppressed,  the  respira- 
tion extremely  difficult  and  accompanied  with  a  hissing 
noise.  The  convulsive  struggles  for  breath  are  fearful, 
the  head  is  thrown  back,  the  face  livid,  cold  sweat-drops 
stand  on  the  forehead,  respiration  becomes  more  and 
more  difficult,  until  at  length  with  signs  of  convulsive 
suffocation,  or  falling  into  a  state  of  stupor,  it  dies. 
The  mother  who  has  watched  with  bitter  agony  the 
fearful  struggles  of  her  child,  breathes  a  sigh  of  relief 
as  the  last  breath  is  drawn,  and  as  the  look  of  anguish 
changes  to  the  sweet  calm  of  death,  she  knows  that 
suffering  is  over,  and  her  little  one  is  at  rest. 

The  above  is  a  description  of  the  more  severe  attacks 


420  DISEASES    OF    CHILDREN. 

of  croup,  but  they  are  often  of  a  lighter  character. 
There  is  a  kind  of  croupy  cough,  which  is  sometimes 
mistaken  for  croup,  and  unnecessarily  alarms  the  friends, 
as  it  is  unattended  with  immediate  danger,  but  if  not 
cured  may  end  in  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  In  real 
croup,  as  we  have  before  said,  the  child  is  almost  always 
attacked  at  night,  is  aroused  from  its  sleep  by  violent 
spasmodic  cough,  is  restless,  and  shows  unmistakable 
signs  of  suffering ;  in  a  few  moments  however,  it  may 
again  drop  to  sleep.  In  croupy  cough  the  breathing 
may  be  labored,  and  the  voice  husky,  but  the  child 
shows  no  indication  of  suffering,  and  the  cough  seldom 
fairly  arouses  it  from  sleep.  As  we  have  before  said, 
there  may  be  a  slight  remission  of  symptoms  during  the 
day,  but  even  in  the  milder  forms  of  croup,  care  should 
be  taken  not  to  expose  the  patient  for  three  or  four 
days,  as  the  attacks  are  liable  to  return. 

TREATMENT. — If  premonitory  symptoms  are  present, 
such  as  slight  fever,  hoarse  cough,  &c.,  Aconite  and 
Spongia  should  be  alternated  one  hour  apart.  If  how- 
ever in  the  evening  the  symptoms  assume  the  distinct 
form  of  croup,  or  the  attack  commences  suddenly  with 
the  barking,  ringing,  or  suffocative  cough,  about  as  much 
crude  Tartar  Em:  tic  (Stibium)  as  can  be  placed  on  a 
five  cent  piece  should  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  of  water, 
and  a  teaspoonful  given  in  alternation  with  Spongia  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes  apart  until  relieved.  A  warm  bath 
at  the  same  time  would  be  beneficial,  or  the  appli- 
cation of  cloths  to  the  neck,  wrung  out  in  cold  water 
and  covered  with  dry  flannel.  After  the  violence  of  the 
paroxysm  has  subsided,  and  the  cough  is  less  ringing 
but  of  a  more  moist  or  loose  character,  Spongia  and 
JL l><tr-8.  may  be  alternated  one  hour  apart.  If  at  night 
the  violent  paroxysm  should  return,  the  same  treatment 
should  be  repeated. 

Iodine  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  almost  all  stages  of 


cftoup.  421 

croup,  and  will  often  produce  a  decided  effect,  when 
other  remedies  fail.  When  the  remedies  enumerated 
above  seem  still  indicated,  but  fail  to  produce  the  de- 
sired effect,  one  drop  of  the  first  dilution  of  Iodine  may 
be  given  every  half  hour,  until  four  or  five  doses  have 
been  taken. 

At  length  the  disease,  if  unchecked,  becomes  very 
violent,  and  there  are  plain  indications  of  the  formation 
of  the  false  membrane.  The  countenance  wears  a  look  of 
intense  agony,  and  the  breathing  and  cough  are  almost 
suifocative.  It  is  evident,  that  unless  speedy  relief  is 
obtained,  death  will  soon  close  the  scene.  JBi-chromate 
of  Potash  and  bromine  are  here  the  prominent  remedies. 

Caustic  Ammonia. — When  the  voice  is  deep  and  weak, 
speech  fatiguing  and  interrupted,  great  secretion  of 
mucus  in  the  bronchia,  violent  cough,  with  copious  ex- 
pectoration, especially  after  drinking ;  rattling,  labored, 
or  stertorous  breathing ;  suffocative  fits  and  spasms  in 
the  chest. 

jBromine. — Hoarse,  wheezing  and  fatiguing  cough, 
sometimes  with  sneezing  and  suffocative  fits ;  respiration 
accompanied  with  mucous  rattling ;  wheezing;  breathing 
slow  and  suffocative,  or  hurried  and  superficial,  labored, 
painful,  oppressed ;  gasping  for  air,  and  strong  indica- 
tions of  suffocation. 

fii-chromate  of  Potash. — This  is  an  invaluable  remedy 
in  cases  of  membranous  croup.  Hoarse,  dry  and  crowing 
or  whistling  cough ;  respiration  accompanied  with  a 
whistling  sound ;  the  nose  filled  with  mucus ;  evident 
signs  of  pain  about  the  throat ;  great  restlessness  of  the 
child ;  cough  gradually  subsides,  breathing  becomes 
more  and  more  difficult,  and  the  spasmodic  efforts  for 
breath,  the  tossing  about  from  side  to  side,  the  look  of 
intense  agony,  the  flushed  face  and  starting  eyes,  the 
nose  and  sometimes  the  mouth  filled  with  mucus,  all 
give  clear  indication  of  the  rapid  formation  of  the  false 


422  DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 


membrane,  and  unless  relief  be  obtained,  the  certainty 
of  speedy  death. 

H>'par-8.  and  Spongia  will  generally  complete  the 
cure,  with  the  addition,  perhaps,  if  much  soreness  is  pre- 
sent, of  Phosphorus. 

DOSE. — Bi-chromate  should  be  given  a  powder  of  the  first  tritura- 
lion  once  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes. 

If  Bromine  is  given,  a  drop  should  be  put  in  a  tumbler 
filled  with  water,  and  if  the  mixture  seems  too  strong,  a 
portion  of  it  may  be  thrown  away.  The  tumbler  may 
be  then  filled  up  and  a  teaspoonful  given  once  in  twenty 
minutes  or  half  an  hour. 

With  the  other  remedies  where  the  amount  of  the 
dose  has  not  already  been  given,  two  drops  of  the  tinc- 
ture should  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water 
and  a  teaspoonful  given  at  a  dose ;  or  a  powder  taken 
dry  on  the  tongue. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — During  the  attack,  the  diet  should 
consist  of  arrow-root,  or  gruels,  or  perhaps  milk  and 
water.  Cold  water  may  also  be  taken,  if  much  thirst  is 
present. 

HOOPING  COUGH.    PERTUSSIS. 

This  is  an  epidemic  and  contagious  disease,  mostly 
confined  to  early  childhood,  and  seldom  occurs  but  once 
in  the  same  person.  It  is  probably  most  easily  commu- 
nicated in  the  second  stage.  There  are  two  distinct 
stages,  the  catarrhal  and  spasmodic  stage. 

The  first  stage  commences  with  the  symptoms  of  an 
ordinary  catarrh  or  cold.  There  is  watery  discharge 
from  the  nose  and  eyes,  sneezing,  coughing,  languor 
restlessness,  and  febrile  symptoms.  Sometimes  however 
the  fever  is  severe  and  the  cough  very  painful,  at  first 
dry, but  afterwards  with  profuse  expectoration;  and  some- 
times, but  very  rarely,  the  catarrhal  symptoms  are  en- 
tirely wanting. 


HOOPING  COUGH.       PERTUSSIS.  4:23 

This  stage  may  last  only  a  few  days,  and  rarely  con- 
tinues more  than  two  weeks. 

As  the  catarrhal  symptoms  subside,  the  second  or  the 
nervous,  spasmodic,  or  convulsive  stage  commences,  in 
which  the  characteristic  symptoms  of  the  disease  pre- 
sent themselves.  The  cough  occurs  in  paroxysms,  is 
very  violent,  and  consists  of  a  series  of  forced  and  quick 
expirations  in  such  quick  successions,  that  the  patient 
seems  almost  in  danger  of  suffocation.  The  face  and 
neck  are  swollen  and  livid,  the  eyes  protruded  and  full 
of  tears ;  at  length  one  or  two  inspirations  are  made 
with  similar  violence,  which  produce  £hat  peculiar  sound, 
compared  to  a  whoop,  from  which  the  disease  takes  its 
name.  The  paroxysms,  or  a  rapid  succession  of  them, 
usually  last  from  one  to  fifteen  minutes,  and  generally 
terminate  in  a  profuse  expectoration  of  ropy  mucus  or 
vomiting.  The  child  is  conscious  when  the  attack  is 
ahout  to  commence,  and  flies  to  some  object  for  support, 
until  it  has  subsided.  The  paroxysms  may  occur  in 
rapid  succession,  not  more  than  ten  or  fifteen  minutes 
apart,  or  there  may  not  be  more  than  five  or  six  during 
the  twenty-four  hours.  As  the  disease  declines,  the 
paroxysms  gradually  decrease  in  frequency  and  violence, 
until  they  entirely  cease.  This  second  stage  may  last 
only  two  or  three  weeks,  or  it  may  continue  five  or  six 
months. 

The  first  stage  of  hooping  cough  is,  as  we  have  al- 
ready seen,  characterized  by  symptoms  of  an  ordinary 
catarrh,  and  appearance  and  duration  of  the  peculiar 
cough  and  whoop  mark  the  period  of  the  second  stage. 
Simple  hooping  cough  is  seldom  attended  with  danger, 
but  when  it  becomes  complicated  with  some  other  dif- 
ficulty, the  danger  may*  be  imminent.  Let  us  briefly 
glance  at  some  of  these  complications. 

1.  Complicated  with.  Bronchitis  and  Pneumonia. — 
The  presence  of  bronchitis  or  pneumonia  may  be  indi- 


424  DISEASES    OF   CHILDREN. 

cated  in  the  first  stage  by  an  incessant  cough,  painful 
and  difficult  breathing  and  high  fever.  In  the  second 
stage  there  will  be  a  return  of  fever,  which  will  con- 
tinue during  the  intervals  of  the  paroxysms  of  coughing 
and  be  accompanied  with  hurried  and  difficult  respi- 
ration. The  prominent  symptoms  indicating  a  compli- 
cation of  these  affections,  are  a  greater  amount  of  fever 
than  usual,  and  the  respiration  quick,  hurried  and  diffi- 
cult. The  expectoration  is  also  more  difficult,  the  sputa 
being  less  profuse  and  of  a  puriform  appearance.  In 
violent  cases  the  cough  may  lose  entirely  its  spasmodic 
character,  and  exhibit  only  the  cough  of  bronchitis  or 
pneumonia. 

2.  Complicated  with  Infantile  Remittent. — A  disorder- 
ed condition  of  the  bowels  may  occur,  marked  by  un- 
healthy discharges,  loss  of  appetite  and  foul  tongue.     If 
these  symptoms  are  allowed  to  continue  for  some  time, 
the  infantile  remittent  may  make  its  appearance,  some- 
times commencing  with  a  rigor,  but  usually  coming  on 
gradually.     The  paroxysms  of  coughing  are  more  fre- 
quent, and  the  breathing  quick,  hurried  and  unequal. 
Fever  has  distinct  remissions  in  the  morning  and  in- 
creases toward  evening. 

3.  Complicated  with  congestion  of  the  JSrain,  Convul- 
sions or  Hydrocephalus. — These    complications    occur 
chiefly  in  infancy  about  the  period  of  the  first  dentition, 
and  may  generally  be  anticipated  before  they  are  fully 
developed.    We  should  fear  their  occurrence,  where  the 
cough  is  of  great  severity,  and  the  face  remains  livid  for 
a  considerable  length  of  time.     The  first  symptoms  may 
be  sleepiness  and  heaviness  after  the  fits  of  coughing, 
or  spasmodic  twitchings  of  the  face  or  extremities,  or 
perhaps  the  first  indications  that  the  brain  is  affected, 
may  be  coma  or  a  fit  of  convulsions.     These  complica- 
tions occurring  at  any  time,  are  exceedingly  dangerous, 


HOOPING    COUGH.      PERTUSSIS.  425 

but  more  especially  so  during  the  period  of  the  first 
dentition. 

TREATMENT.  —  The  treatment  of  the  first  stage  should 
be  the  same  as  that  indicated  by  an  ordinary  catarrh  or 
cold, 

Aconite  may  be  given  on  the  first  appearance  of  the, 
febrile  symptoms. 

Belladonna  may  be  given,  if  the  cough  is  worse  at 
night,  and  if  there  is  headache  and  sore  throat.  It  is 
particularly  useful  both  in  the  first  and  second  stage, 
where  symptoms  of  congestion  to  the  head  are  present. 

DOSE.  —  One  drop,  or  ten  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

Stibium  or  Ipecac,  will  be  indicated,  particularly  in 
the  commencement  of  the  disease,  where  there  is  sneez- 
ing, watery  discharge  from  the  eyes  and  nose,  pain  on 
the  forehead  over  the  eyes,  dry,  hard  or  sufFocative  cough. 

DOSE.  —  A  powder  once  in  two  or  three  hours.  If  there  is  severe 
pain  about  the  head,  soreness  of  the  throat,  Belladonna  may  be  given 
in  alternation. 

Dulcamara,  where  the  attack  has  been  brought  on  by 
cold,  and  is  attended  with  hoarseness,  the  cough  is  loose, 
and  the  expectoration  copious. 

DOSE.  —  One  drop,  or  twelve  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of 
water,  a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 


X'V.  —  Dry  cough  accompanied  with  vomiting,  agi- 
tation and  sometimes  bleeding  at  the  nose  ;  especially 
where  it  is  more  violent  after  midnight. 

DOSE.  —  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  three  hours. 

Mercurius.  —  Hoarseness,  watery  discharge  from  the 
nose,  with  soreness  of  the  nostrils  :  dry,  fatiguing  cough. 
generally  occurring  in  two  successive  fits,  bleeding  from 
the  nose,  and  vomiting. 

DOSE.  —  A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  two  hours. 

Pulsatilla.  —  Loose  cough  with  watery  discharge  from 
the  eyes,  thick  discharge  from  the  nose,  hoarseness  and 


426  DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 


inclination  to  vomit  after  coughing,  occasional  diarrhoea. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Dulcamara. 

Chamomilla. — Paroxysms  of  coughing,  excited  by  an 
irritation  in  the  windpipe  and  upper  part  of  the  chest 

DOSE. — Same  as  Dulcamara. 

Bryonia  or  Phosphorus. — Either  separately  or  in  al- 
ternation, and  sometimes  also  with  Ipecac,  or  Stibium 
will  be  indicated,  where  there  are  symptoms  of  a  com- 
plication of  bronchitis  or  pneumonia. 

DOSE. — They  may  be  given  once  in  two  hours.  After  the  disease 
passes  into  the  second  or  spasmodic  stage,  the  prominent  remedies 
are  Hydrocianic-acid,  Veralrum,  Drosera,  and  Cuprum. 

Hydrocianic-cwid. — Violent  concussive  cough,  with 
rattling  of  mucus,  suffocating  respiration,  and  sometimes 
ejection  of  blood  from  the  nose  and  mouth. 

DOSE. — Two  drops  of  the  first  dilution,  in  eight  tablespoonsful  of 
water,  a  teaspoonful  once  in  three  hours. 

Vcratrum  may  be  given  if  the  violence  of  the  par- 
oxysms continues  unabated,  and  especially  if  there  is 
great  weakness,  fever,  and  cold  perspiration,  and  also  when 
during  the  paroxysms  there  are  pains  in  the  chest  and 
abdomen,  involuntary  emission  of  urine,  and  vomiting. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Hyd.-acid. 

Drosera. — Especially  in  violent  cases,  with  loud  and 
hoarse  cough,  and  where  there  is  no  fever,  or  the  febrile 
symptoms  are  strongly  marked,  with  shuddering  and 
heat,  aggravation  of  symptoms  during  repose ;  and  also 
where  there  is  vomiting  of  food  or  slimy  water. 

DOSE. — One  drop,  or  six  globules,  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water, 
a  teaspoonful  once  in  two  or  three  hours.  It  may  also  be  followed 
by  Veratrum. 

Cuprum. — When  during  the  paroxysm  there  is  rigidity 
of  the  body,  with  suspended  respiration,  and  loss  of 
consciousness ;  vomiting  after  the  paroxysm,  and  rattling 
of  mucus  in  the  chest,  when  not  coughing. 

DOSE. — A  powder,  or  three  globules,  once  in  one  or  two  hours. 

Ca>1>->\— Particularly  where  the  attack  threatens  to 
proceed  into  the  second  stage,  or  where  from  the  first 


ASTHMA    OF    CHILDREN.  427 

the  cough  is  of  a  convulsive  kind,  appearing  especially 
in  the  evening,  attended  with  sore  throat  and  shooting 
pain  in  the  head  and  chest. 

Cina  is  especially  indicated,  when,  in  addition  to  the 
usual  characteristics  of  the  disease,  worm  symptoms  are 
present. 

Iodine  will  be  of  benefit,  where  the  cough  is  excited 
by  a  constant  tickling  in  the  bronchia,  with  excessive 
anguish  before  the  fits,  and  undulating  respiration  during 
the  attack. 

Where  there  is  danger  of  convulsions,  or  congestion 
to  the  brain,  Hellebore,  Belladonna,  and  Ilyosciamus  are 
the  prominent  remedies.  Consult  Convulsions  and  Hy- 
drocepJialus.  Where  there  are  symptoms  of  Remittent 
fever,  consult  Infantile  Remittent.  And  should  the  dis- 
ease become  complicated  with  bronchitis  or  pneumonia. 
Consult  Cough  and  also  Bronchitis  and  Pneumonia. 

GENERAL  DIRECTIONS. — The  frequency  of  the  repetition 
of  the  medicines  must  be  guided  in  a  measure  by  the 
severity  of  the  symptoms.  Where  they  are  violent,  the 
remedy  may  be  given  as  heretofore  directed,  but  in  the 
decline  of  the  disease,  and  where  the  attack  is  light,  a 
dose  morning,  noon,  and  night  will  be  sufficient. 

DIET  and  REGIMEN. — The  rooms  should  be  freely  ven- 
tilated, taking  care,  however,  that  the  child  does  not  take 
cold.  After  the  severity  of  the  symptoms  are  over,  but 
the  disease  still  continues  for  a  long  time,  a  change  of 
air  will  often  prove  highly  beneficial.  If  no  fever  is 
present,  there  need  be  no  change  of  diet,  but  if  more  or 
less  fever  attends  the  disease,  the  diet  should  consist  of 
arrow-root,  gruels,  &c. 

ASTHMA  OF  CHILDREN . 

Asthma  of  Millar. 

This  disease  is  sometimes  called  Spasmodic  Croup  or 
False  Croup.  It  consist  of  spasms  of  the  glottis  and 


428  DISEASES    OF   CHILDREN. 


windpipe,  and  occurs  during  the  night.  It  commences 
with  a  spasmodic  inspiration,  accompanied  with  a  crow- 
ing noise  ;  if  the  fit  continues,  the  face  and  extremities 
become  purple,  and  there  may  be  also  spasmodic  con- 
striction of  the  muscles  of  the  extremities. 

Ipecac,  should  be  given  immediately,  especially  if  the 
attack  has  been  occasioned  by  indigestible  food,  and 
where  there  are  spasmodic  constriction  and  symptoms 
of  suffocation,  and  rattling  in  the  chest,  with  anxious 
respiration,  cramps,  or  rigidity  of  the  frame. 

DOSE. — One  drop  in  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  a  teaspoonful  at 
a  dose  ;  or  a  powder,  or  three  globules  on  the  tongue,  given  every  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes. 

Sambucus  should  follow,  or  be  alternated  with  Ipecac., 
if  there  is  ineffectual  inclination  to  sleep,  with  oppressed 
respiration,  and  wheezing,  convulsive  efforts  for  breath, 
livid  hue  of  the  face  and  agonizing  tossings. 

DOSE. — Same  as  Ipecac. 

Arsenic  may  be  given  where  there  is  great  prostration 
of  strength,  anguish,  and  cold  perspiration.  If  these 
remedies  fail,  Cuprum  or  Belladonna  may  be  indicated. 

VACCINATION. 

This  homcepathic  preventive  to  small-pox  has  been  the 
means  of  saving  thousands  from  the  ravages  of  one  of 
the  most  loathsome  plagues  which  ever  desolated  the 
earth.  Formerly  whole  neighborhoods  were  depopulated 
by  the  small-pox,  and  its  presence  was  sufficient  to  cause 
friends  and  neighbors  to  fly  in  terror  from  its  poisonous 
breath.  But  now,  protected  by  the  homoeopathic  pre- 
ventive of  ^cow-pox,  its  presence  creates  but  little  terror, 
as  we  know  that  we  possess  a  power  to  prevent  its  further 
progress.  The  best  time  to  vaccinate  is  between  the 
third  month  and  the  twelfth,  although  where  the  small- 
pox is  present  in  the  neighborhood,  vaccination  may 
take  place  at  an  earlier  period.  The  best  time  is  in  the 


VACCINATION.  429 


fall,  spring  or  winter,  as  in  the  heat  of  summer  the  arm 
is  liable  to  become  very  sore.  Usually  no  treatment  is 
required,  as  the  pustule  pursues  a  regular  course,  and  at 
a  certain  time  the  scab  drops  off. 

It  is  of  vast  importance,  that  the  pus  used  in  vaccina- 
tion should  be  taken  from  the  cow,  or  from  a  perfectly 
healthy  child.  Unless  this  precaution  is  adopted,  disease 
may  be  transmitted  through  vaccination  from  one  child 
to  another. 


430  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

CHAPTER   XIII. 
EXTEKNAL    INJURIES. 

Of  the  numerous  accidents  which  are  liable  to  happen 
every  day,  some  are  trifling  in  their  character,  and  others, 
unless  promptly  relieved,  are  capable  of  producing  severe 
suffering  and  sometimes  death.  It  is  well  to  know  what 
to  do  in  these  cases,  until  the  aid  of  a  physician  can  be 
obtained,  as  from  want  of  proper  knowledge  and  in  the 
excitement  and  confusion  of  the  moment,  steps  are  often 
taken  productive  of  far  more  harm  than  good.  We  shall 
first  notice 

BURNS    AND    SCALDS. 

These  may  be  slight  and  unattended  with  danger,  or 
they  may  involve  a  large  surface  and  endanger  life.  For 
a  superficial  burn  or  scald,  the  part  should  be  held  as 
near  the  fire  as  possible ;  this,  although  it  may  at  first 
increase  the  pain,  in  a  short  time  produces  entire  relief. 
Where  the  skin  is  destroyed,  or  where  the  burn  is  exten- 
sive, though  not  deep,  turpentine,  alcohol,  brandy  or  rum, 
warmed,  should  be  applied.  The  burn  should  be  con- 
stantly moistened  with  the  spirits  as  long  as  the  pain  is 
aggravated.  In  these  cases  also  raw  cotton  if  applied  im- 
mediately, is  beneficial. 

In  deep  and  severe  burns,  as  well  as  those  more  super- 
ficial, soap  is  a  very  valuable  remedy.  Castile  soap  should 
be  taken,  scraped,  and  mad^  into  a  salve  with  tepid 
w:itcT,  and  this  spread  on  linen  or  muslin  applied  over 
the  whole  burn  or  scald.  If  blisters  have  formed,  they 
should  be  punctured  with  a  needle.  The  dressing  may 
be  changed,  if  necessary,  once  in  twenty-four  hours,  being 
careful  not  to  disturb  the  parts  by  washing  them. 


FROZEN   LIMBS. SPRAINS.  431 


The  application  should  be  continued,  until  the  parts  are 
well. 

Another  very  excellent  application,  especially  where 
the  soap  is  too  irritating,  is  a  linament  composed  of  equal 
parts  of  S'.ceei'Oil  and  lime-water.  It  should  be  applied 
in  the  same  way  as  the  aoap.  Another  application  in 
extensive  burns,  is  wheat  flour  dusted  plentifully  over 
the  injured  part.  The  parts  should  be  kept  covered  with 
the  flour,  by  new  applications,  if  necessary. 

Urtica  Urcns,  or  the  tincture  of  nettles,  is  a  very 
valuable  application  for  fresh  burns.  The  tincture  may 
be  mixed  with  an  equal  amount  of  tepid  water  and  the 
parts  kept  constantly  moist  by  means  of  rags,  wet  with 
the  mixture. 

Six  or  eight  drops  of  the  tincture  of  cantharides,  mixed 
with  a  tumbler  half  full  of  water,  may  also  be  used, 
applied  in  the  same  way  as  the  Urtica  Urens.  For 
burns  in  the  mouth  and  throat,  caused  by  steam  or  hot 
food,  a  few  drops  of  spirits  of  soap,  or  of  soap  dissolved 
in  alcohol,  taken  once  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  will 
produce  relief. 

In  dressing  burns,  the  blisters  should  be  punctured, 
the  old  skin  removed  and  yet  the  parts  exposed  to  the 
action  of  the  air  as  little  as  possible. 

If  much  fever  is  present,  Aconite  may  be  given  in- 
ternally once  in  three  or  four  hours.  If  the  nervous 
system  is  highly  excited,  Rlius  may  be  taken,  and  if 
head  symptoms  should  be  developed,  Belladonna. 

FROZEN    LIMBS. 

For  the  treatment  in  cases  of  frozen  limbs,  see  "chti- 
blains"  and  "  apparent  death  from  cold." 

SPRAINS. 

Apply  cloths  wet  with  cold  water,  or  a  mixture,  compos- 
ed of  equal  parts  of  Arnica  and  water.  Keep  the  parts 


432  EXTERNAL   INJURIES. 


constantly  wet  In  persons  on  whom  Arnica  produces 
erysipelatous  inflammation,  or  when  the  skin  is  broken 
and  the  part  considerably  bruised,  Calendula  may  be 
applied.  Where  there  are  stiffness  and  lameness,  par- 
ticularly after  a  strain,  Bnjonia  or  Rlius  may  be  taken 
internally,  a  dose  three  or  four  times  a  day.  The  treat- 
ment I  have  given  for  sprains,  is  also  that,  which  will 
prove  most  beneficial  for  bruises. 

CONCUSSIONS. 

A  heavy  blow  or  a  fall  may  so  jar  the  system  as  to 
produce  disturbance  in  the  brain  and  nervous  system, 
and  through  them  affect  other  organs.  In  these  cases 
the  appropriate  remedies  are  Arnica  and  Belladonna. 
Arnica  should  be  given,  where  some  part  of  the  body 
may  have  been  bruised  by  a  fall  or  blow,  and  Bella- 
donna, where  there  are  indications  of  cerebral  disturbance, 
such  as  convulsions,  giddiness,  or  pain  in  the  head,  and 
stupor.  A  dose  should  be  taken,  where  the  symptoms 
are  violent,  every  hour,  increasing  the  intervals,  as  they 
subside  to  three  or  four  hours. 

DISLOCATIONS. 

The  severe  pain  and  the  appearance  of  the  joint  are  suffi- 
cient indications  of  dislocation.  To  reduce  the  luxation 
without  injury  to  the  surrounding  parts,  a  knowledge  of 
the  joint  and  the  muscles  is  necessary,  so  that  it  is  gene- 
rally best,  to  obtain  the  assistance  of  a  physician  or 
surgeon.  In  the  mean  time  external  applications  may 
be  made  of  cold  water  or  the  tincture  of  Arnica. 

FRACTURES. 

• 

There  are  several  varieties  of  fractures.  What  is  called 
a  simple  fracture,  is  a  mere  fracture  of  the  bone,  unattend- 
ed by  contusions.  In  a  compound  fracture  there  is  an 
external  wound  or  a  protruded  bone.  The  presence  of 
fracture  can  very  readily  be  detected  by  the  peculiar 


WOUNDS.  433 


crepitous  or  grating  sound  heard  on  moving  the  parts- 
There  is  also  more  or  less  pain  and  swelling  present.  In 
setting  the  bones  the  fractured  parts  are  placed  together, 
so  that,  when  united,  the  limb  shall  be  as  nearly  as 
possible  as  it  was,  before  the  bone  was  broken.  While 
the  union  or  knitting  together  of  the  bone  is  going  on, 
the  limb  should  be  kept  perfectly  still.  This  is  done 
by  means  of  long  splints  and  bandages,  the  bandages 
not  applied  very  tightly,  or  they  may  prevent  the  free 
circulation  of  the  blood.  Both  before  and  after  the  limb 
is  set,  if  much  swelling  and  heat  are  present,  cold  water 
or  Arnica  should  be  applied,  the  cloths  which  cover  the 
part  being  kept  constantly  wet.  Where  there  is  much 
laceration  of  the  parts,  Calendula  should  be  applied. 

It  would  be  impossible  and  in  fact  unnecessary,  to  go 
into  the  minutia  of  the  treatment  of  fractures  here,  as 
every  one  will  see  the  importance  of  calling  in  the  aid 
of  the  experienced  surgeon. 

WOUNDS. 

Simple  incisive  wounds  will  usually  heal  by  the  first 
intention,  that  is,  the  incised  parts  on  being  brought 
together  unite  directly  without  suppuration,  without 
much  if  any  functional  disturbance ;  but  punctured, 
lacerated,  or  gunshot  wounds  generally  suppurate,  new 
granulations  forming,  thus  healing  by  the  second  inten- 
tion, and  when  they  are  deep  and  extensive,  give  rise  to 
considerable  fever.  Thus  punctured  wounds  in  any  part 
of  the  body,  sometimes  made  by  the  thrust  of  a  sword, 
bayonet  or  knife,  or  in  the  foot  by  treading  on  a  nail, 
are  often  exceedingly  painful,  and  not  unfrequently  give 
rise  to  lockjaw.  In  gunshot  and  lacerated  wounds  the 
surrounding  parts  are  often  seriously  injured,  and  the 
pain  and  fever  which  accompany  them  severe.  In  the 
punctured,  lacerated  or  gunshot  wound,  and  sometimes 
where  the  parts  are  very  much  contused,  for  want  of 
19 


434  EXTERNAL,    INJLR1E 


proper  reaction  in  the  system,  mortification  may  take 
place. 

Our  object  of  course  in  the  treatment  of  all  wounds  is 
to  heal  them  up  quickly  and  prevent  as  much  functional 
disturbance  as  possible.  Incised  wounds  bleed  freely, 
but  lacerated  or  gunshot  wounds  seldom  cause  much 
hemorrhage,  even  though  large  blood-vessels  are  in- 
jured. 

In  all  wounds  the  parts  should  be  carefully  examined, 
to  see  that  there  are  no  foreign  substances  present,  such 
as  glass  or  dirt.  The  wound  should  be  washed  with  cold 
water  and  any  foreign  substance  which  is  not  removed 
by  this  process  carefully  extracted.  Steps  should  be 
taken  to  control  the  haemorrhage.  This  can  often  be 
done  by  pressing  the  parts  together  with  the  fingers, 
bathing  them  with  cold  water,  with  which  may  be  mixed 
a  little  Amica,  or  KrcasoU  may  be  placed  on  the 
bleeding  parts.  If,  however,  one  of  the  arteries  is  severed, 
which  may  be  known  by  the  bright  red  blood  spouting 
out  in  jets  at  every  pulsation  of  the  heart,  and  the  bleed- 
ing cannot  be  controlled  in  the  way  indicated  above,  the 
current  should  be  shut  off  by  compressing  the  artery 
above  the  wound.  The  location  of  the  artery  can  gene- 
rally be  ascertained  by  pressing  with  the  fingers  on  the 
inside  of  the  limb,  when  the  beat  may  be  felt  beneath 
the  fingers.  Over  this  spot  place  a  piece  of  cork,  or  a 
pebble  stone,  binding  around  the  limb  over  the  cork  or 
pebble,  a  handkerchief.  Now  by  introducing  a  small 
stick  under  the  handkerchief,  and  twisting  it  round,  a 
very  good  tourniquet  is  formed,  the  pebble  or  cork  is 
pressed  against  the  artery,  compressing  its  walls  and 
checking  the  current  of  blood.  Where  the  wound  is 
below  the  knee  the  above  application  should  be  made  in 
the  hollow  on  the  inside  of  the  leg  and  the  bend  of  the 
knee,  and  where  it  occurs  in  the  arm  below  the  elbow, 
the  compression  should  be  at  the  elbow.  Of  course  a 


WOUNDS.  435 


surgeon  should  be  obtained  as  speedily  as  possible.  In 
the  cut  wound,  as  we  have  before  said,  if  the  parts  are 
brought  closely  together  and  kept  in  that  position  they 
will  heal  in  a  short  time.  This  may  be  done,  where  the 
wounds  are  deep  and  long,  by  taking  two  or  three  switches 
with  a  needle  and  thread,  thus  drawing  and  holding  the 
parts  together.  As  a  general  thing  however  all  that  will 
be  required,  will  be  the  application  of  adhesive  plaster. 
This  should  be  cut  in  long  narrow  strips,  so  as  to  extend 
well  on  either  side;  these  strips,  first  warmed  by  the  fire, 
should  pass  directly  over  the  wound  from  side  to  side, 
drawing  the  lips  closely  together.  A  small  space  may 
be  left  between  each  strip,  where  it  crosses  the  wound, 
tb  permit  the  escape  of  pus,  should  suppuration  take 
place.  Externally  the  only  application  necessary  will 
be  Arnica  or  cold  water. 

In  lacerated  or  contused  wounds  the  parts  may  be 
closed  in  a  similar  manner,  bathing  the  parts  freely  with 
Calendula,  and  afterward,  if  much  heat  and  swelling  is 
present,  applying  cold  water.  In  deep  wounds,  particu- 
larly in  punctured,  or  gunshot  wounds,  great  care  should 
be  taken,  that  the  healing  process  should  commence  at 
the  bottom.  If  the  edges  are  brought  together  the 
wound  may  heal  on  the  surface,  while  no  union  has  taken 
place  below.  To  prevent  this,  lint  should  be  introduced 
into  the  wound,  keeping  the  upper  portion  open  while 
the  healing  process  is  going  on  at  the  bottom.  This  lint 
should  be  removed  daily,  and  the  parts  washed  with 
tepid  water. 

If  considerable  fever  should  set  in,  Aconite  should  be 
given  once  in  three  or  four  hours.  If  the  parts  are 
swollen  and  exceedingly  painful,  Belladonna  may  be 
given  at  the  same  intervals.  Where  the  suppuration 
seems  unhealthy,  a  powder  of  Hepar-s.  may  be  taken 
in  the  morning,  and  of  Silicea  at  night. 


436  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 


POISONED     WOUNDS. 
St :,,,i<  <>f  Insects,  and  Bites  of  Serpents. 

The  sting  of  the  bee,  mosquito  and  other  insects  is 
often  attended  with  considerable  swelling  and  pain. 
Wlu-re^ttacked  by  bees,  the  better  plan  is  not  to  fight 
thi'iu  with  the  hands,  but  to  cover  the  face  by  lying  on 
the  ground,  face  downwards,  and  remaining  perfectly  quiet. 

The  sting  of  the  bee,  mosquito,  spider,  and  most  poi- 
sonous insects  will  be  relieved  by  bathing  the  parts  with 
spirits  of  Arnm/mia  or  Hartshorn,  or  black  garden  mould 
may  be  placed  over  the  swollen  parts,  renewing  the 
application,  when  the  pain  increases.  For  the  sting  of 
the  bee  in  the  mouth  or  eye,  honey  may  be  applied. 

Smoke,  tobacco  smoke,  burning  brown  sugar  on  coals, 
will  usually  drive  off  musquitoes.  In  addition  to  the 
remedies,  mentioned  above,  the  parts  may  be  held  near 
the  fire. 

Bites  of  poisonous  serpents  not  unfrequently  produce 
speedy  death,  and  even  where  death  is  not  the  result, 
the  victim  always  suffers  intense  pain.  No  time  is  to  be 
lost,  as  the  pois6n  is  speedily  transmitted  to  other  parts 
of  the  system. 

Dry  heat  should  be  applied,  by  means  of  a  coal  of  fire, 
a  hot  iron,  or  even  the  stump  of  a  segar.  Great  care 
should  be  taken  that  the  heat  should  be  steady  and 
continuous  The  heated  substance  should  be  held  as 
near  the  wound  as  possible  without  burning  it,  and 
continued  until  a  stretching  or  shivering  sensation  is 
experienced.  Where  no  fire  can  be  obtained,  a  band 
may  by  drawn  tightly  above  the  wound,  or  the  poison 
may  be  sucked  out  Oil,  soap,  or  saliva  may  be  applied 
around  the  wound.  A  little  salt  and  water,  gun-powder 
or  '/•iilic  may  be  taken  into  the  mouth  from  time  to  time. 
If  there  are  severe  shooting  pains,  nausea,  Arsenic  may 
be  given  once  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  followed,  if 
relief  is  not  obtained,  uy  Ldladonna. 


437  POISONS   AND   THEIR   ANTIDOTES. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

POISONS  AND  THEIR  ANTIDOTES. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that  if  poisons  are  taken  at 
first  in  minute  quantities,  the  amount  can  be  gradually 
increased,  until  at  length,  after  years,  the  system  becomes 
so  far  accustomed  to  them,  that  they  may  be  taken  in 
enormous  doses  without  producing  their  peculiar  poi- 
sonous effects,  although  not  without  injurious  results. 
During  a  certain  period,  in  Grecian  and  Roman  history, 
a  knowledge  of  poisons  was  considered  an  essential 
feature  in  the  education  of  the  nobility  and  diplomatists, 
and  never  was  poisoning  reduced  to  such  a  science  as 
then.  The  apparently  friendly  grasp  of  the  hand  might 
communicate  through  the  imperceptible  prick  of  a  signet 
ring,  a  poison  so  quick  and  subtle  as  speedily  to  destroy 
life ;  and  the  lady  reclining  on  her  couch  in  her  luxu- 
riant boudoir  might  inhale  in  the  rich  perfume  of  flowers 
a  poison  which  would  infuse  through  the  system  a 
dreamy  languor,  but  gradually  lock  up  the  senses  in  the- 
sleep  of  death.  So  skilfully  were  the  poisons  prepared 
that  they  would  leave  no  trace  of  their  work,  save  death. 
Death  was  there,  but  the  knife  of  the  anatomist  could 
not  reveal  the  cause.  Thus  thousands  perished  in  every 
grade  of  society,  and  the  souls  of  kings  and  nobles  were 
deeply  stained  with  murder.  To  the  criminal  condemned 
to  die  was  presented  the  poisoned  chalice.  Thus  poison 
was  compelled  to  do  alike  the  work  of  justice  and  of 
vengeance. 

It  is  narrated  of  one  of  the  kings  that  to  guard  him 
against  the  effect  of  poisons,  they  were  administered  to 
him  in  small  quantities  in  infancy,  and  as  he  advanced 
in  years  he  almost  daily  used  some  kind  of  poison.  But 
he  at  length  experienced  reverses  and  wished  to  end  his 


438  POISONS    AND    THEIR    ANTIDOTES. 

life  by  suicide,  but  the  unhappy  monarch  found  that  he 
was  proof  even  against  the  most  subtle  poisons.  To  him 
they  would  not  bring  death. 

But  our  object  here  is  not  to  examine  these  subtle 
poisons,  but  to  ascertain  how  fatal  effects  may  be  pre- 
sented, when  some  of  the  common  poisons  have  been 
taken,  either  from  accident  or  design. 

Where  poison  has  been  taken  into  the  stomach,  we 
should  endeavor  to  remove  it  if  possible  by  means  of 
vomiting  or  the  stomach-pump.  If  this  cannot  be  done, 
we  should  administer  some  remedy,  which  will  destroy 
or  neutralize  the  action  of  the  poison. 

Vomiting  can  generally  be  produced  by  drinking  a 
large  quantity  of  tepid  water,  by  introducing  the  finger 
into  the  throat,  or  tickling  the  throat  with  a  feather ; 
by  placing  snuff  or  mustard  mixed  with  salt  on  the 
tongue,  or  by  injecting,  by  means  of  a  tobacco-pipe,  tobac- 
co-smoke into  the  anus.  In  some  cases  Ipecac^  Tartar- 
cm-etic,OT  Sulphate  of  Zinc  may  be  administered. 

Guided  by  the  effect  which  poisons  are  known  to  pro- 
duce on  the  system,  we  may  arrange  them  into  three 
distinct  classes. 

1.  The  Irritants,  or  those  which  corrode  or  inflame 
the  parts.    These  may  act  as  escharotics,  destroying  the 
parts,  or   as  violent  irritants,  producing   inflammation, 
which  will  speedily  end  in  mortification  or  gangrene. 
These  include  the  mineral,  animal,  and  a  portion  of  the 
vegetable  poisons. 

2.  The  Narcotics,  producing  delirium  or  coma. 

3.  The  Narcoti  co-acrid,  producing  sometimes  an  irri- 
tating, and  sometimes  a  narcotic  effect. 

1.  THE  IRRITANTS. — Iodine  and  JJydriodate  of  Potash. 
— Where  poisonous  effects  are  produced  by  either  of 
these  drugs,  starch,  or  wheat  flour  should  be  given  mixed 
with  water.  After  the  poisonous  effects  have  subsided 


POISONS    AND    THEIR    ANTIDOTES.  439 

the  remaining  symptoms  may  be  removed  by  a  few 
doses  of  Hepar-s.,  or  Belladonna. 

Muriatic,  Nitric,  or  Sulphuric-acid. — If  nothing  else 
is  at  hand,  drink  freely  of  water,  which  will  dilate  the 
acid,  and  thus  destroy  its  corrosive,  but  not  its  irritating 
properties.  Give  immediately,  if  possible,  carbonate  of 
magnesia,  chalk,  lime-stone,  old  mortar,  or  even  plaster 
scraped  from  the  wall ;  or  soap-suds,  or  wood-ashes  mixed 
with  water.  If  these  are  not  at  hand,  Saleratus  or  Car- 
bonate of  Soda,  may  be  given.  For  the  after  treatment, 
consult  the  chapter  under  which  the  affections  caused 
by  these  poisons  may  be  found. 

Oxalic-acid. — The  action  of  this  poison  is  exceedingly 
rapid,  and  no  time  should  be  lost  in  administering  chalk 
or  Carbonate  of  Magnesia.  When  these  are  not  at  hand, 
Lime,  Carbonate  of  Soda,  or  Saleratus  may  be  given. 

Arsenic. — Vomiting  should  be  induced  of  possible. 
Soap-suds,  the  white  of  eggs  or,  the  hydrated peroxide  of 
iron,  should  be  given  immediately,  repeating  the  anti- 
dote after  vomiting.  The  latter  remedy  has  been  found 
to  act  almost  as  a  complete  antidote,  when  taken  in  time. 

Corrosive  Sublimate. — This  form  of  mercury  acts  as  a 
most  powerful  poison,  and  from  the  fact  that  it  is  fre- 
quently used  in  household-duties,  it  is  very  often  taken 
by  mistake.  The  whites  of  eggs  should  be  mixed  with 
cold  water,  and  given  every  two  or  three  minutes,  so 
long  as  the  matter  vomited  contains  a  white  opaque 
material,  admixed,  but  when  the  substance  vomited  be- 
comes transparent,  no  more  should  be  given,  as  it  will 
not  only  be  useless  but  may  prove  injurious.  Where 
white  of  eggs  can  not  be  obtained,  soap  and  water, 
mixed  with  wheat  flour,  should  be  given  plentifully. 
Emetics  should  be  avoided. 

Copper. — Poisoning  from  the  metal  generally  arises 
from  allowing  the  acetate  of  copper,  better  known  as 
verdigris,  to  form  on  cooking  utensils.  The  white  of 


440  POISONS    AND    THEIR  ANTIDOTES. 


eggs,  or  sugar,  should  be  given,  and  vomiting  induced. 
Carbonate  of  Soda  should  be  administered  without  delay. 

X^ad.  —Poisoning  by  lead  is  very  common  both  from 
lead  paint,  and  the  use  of  water  which  has  been  in  con- 
tact for  some  length  of  time  with  lead  pipe.  Cases  of 
sickness  are  constantly  occurring  in  this  city,  which 
might  be  traced  to  drinking  water  which  had  been  for 
some  time  in  contact  with  lead  pipe,  which  is  now  so 
extensively  used  in  the  connection  with  the  croton-water. 
Where  the  smell  of  paint  is  very  strong  in  a  house, 
water  should  be  kept  standing  in  some  part  of  the  room. 
The  decidedly  poisonous  effects  which  we  wish  to  anti- 
dote, are  generally  obtained  by  taking,  through  mistake 
sugar  of  lead.  Vomitingshould.be  induced  immediately, 
and  diluted  Sulphuric-acid  given.  If  this  is  not  at  hand 
give  Epsom-salts  or  Glauber-salts. 

Nitrate  of  Silver,  Lunar  Caustic. — Give  common  salt, 
in  water,  afterward  mucilaginous  drinks. 

Antimony. — Poisonous  effects  are  sometimes  produced 
by  Antimonial  Wine,  or  Tartar-emetic.  A  decoction  of 
Nut-galls,  Oak-bark,  Strong  Coffee,  or  Green  Tea  should 
be  given. 

Tin. — Sour  food  allowed  to  remain  for  some  time  in 
tin-vessels,  may  occasion  poisoning.  Give  the  white  of 
eggs,  sugar,  or  milk. 

Nitre.  Saltpetre. — Produce  vomiting  by  tepid  water, 
afterwards  give  copious  draughts  of  mucilaginous  drinks, 
such  as  gum-water,  flaxseed-te",  &c. 

Canthaiides. — Spanish  flies.  The  best  antidotes,  to 
be  used  both  inwardly,  and  applied  externally,  are  white 
of  eggs,  and  tepid,  slimy  substances. 

Shellfish. — Clams  and  muscles,  as  well  as  some  other 
kinds  of  fish  are  sometimes  poisonous.  Encourage 
vomiting,  and  give  charcoal,  with  suyar  and  water,  or 
strong  coffee  without  milk. 

Animal  matter  rendered  poisonous  by  putrefaction  or 


POISONS    AND   THEIR   ANTIDOTES.  441 

disease.  Give  diluted  vinegar  or  lemon-juice,  and  after- 
wards, if  necessary,  strong  black  coffee  without  milk,  or 
strong  black  tea. 

2.  NARCOTICS. — Prussic-acid. — This  is  often  obtained 
from  peach  leaves  and  peach  pits.  Is  is  an  exceedingly 
powerful  poison, '  and  very  rapid  in  its  action.  At  first 
the  patient  may  be  permitted  to  smell  a  little  Sal  Am- 
moniac, or  a  few  drops  may  be  administered  in  water,  or 
he  may  smell  Camphor  or  Vinegar.  As  soon  as  strong 
coffee  can  be  prepared,  give  it  freely. 

Opium. — This  drug  in  its  various  forms,  either  in  the 
gum,  in  laudanum  or  morphine,  is  frequently  resorted  to 
for  the  purpose  of  committing  suicide,  and  Laudanum 
is  often  administered  in  mistake  for  paragoric 

Vomiting  should  be  produced  as  speedily  as  possible, 
and  for  this  purpose  as  much  Tartar  Emetic  as  can  be 
placed  on  a  five  cent  piece  should  be  dissolved  in  a 
tumbler  half-full  of  tepid  water,  and  one-third  of  it 
given  once  in  ten  minutes,  if  the  first  has  not  operated; 
giving  in  the  interval  copious  draughts  of  tepid  water, 
or  tepid  sugar  and  water.  Often,  however,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  produce  vomiting,  and  in  these  cases  a  stomach- 
pump  should  be  used.  After  some  of  the  poison  has  been 
evacuated  from  the  stomach,  strong  coffee,  vinegar,  or 
lemon-juice  should  be  given.  Usually  the  patient  has 
a  strong  desire  to  sleep ;  this  should  be  prevented,  for  if 
he  sleep,  he  may  soon  sleep  in  death. — He  should  be 
kept  in  motion,  walked  about  in  the  open  air,  and  cold 
water  dashed  on  his  face  and  head. 

In  poisoning  from  Hyosciamus,  Belladonna,  Sir  am- 
monium. Hemlock,  Digitalis,  Nicotine,  Camphor,  Strych- 
nine, Lobelia,  Spigelia,  Blood-root,  the  treatment  is 
similar  to  that  indicated  for  Opium. 


19* 


442  POISONS    AND    THEIR    ANTIDOTES. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Strong  black  coffee  is  a  very  powerful  remedy  for  a 
large  variety  of  poisons;  such  as  Opium,  Strychnine, 
Strammonium,  Mushrooms,  Prussic-acid,  Belladonna, 
and  Hemlock /  also  in  poisoning  from  Antimony  and 
Phosphorus. 

Camphor  is  a  very  valuable  remedy  in  poisoning  from 
corrosive  vegetable  substances. 

Mucilaginous  drinks  are  useful  against  alkaline  sub- 
stances. 

Soap  is  suitable  principally  for  metallic  poisoning,  es- 
pecially Arsenic  and  Lead.  It  is  also  suitable  for  cor- 
rosive acids  and  plants,  with  corrosive  sap.  It  is  in- 
jurious in  poisoning  by  alkaline  substances. 

Sugar  against  poisoning  by  metallic  substances,  and 
vegetables  with  corrosive  juice.  It  should  be  given 
after  the  appropriate  antidote. 

Vinegar  is  useful  against  alkaline  substances,  but  is 
injurious  in  poisoning  by  mineral  acids,  arsenic,  vege- 
tables with  corrosive  sap. 

White  of  egg,  mixed  with  a  suitable  portion  of  water, 
is  a  very  prominent  remedy  against  poisoning  by  corro- 
sive sublimate,  verdigris,  tin,  lead,  sulphuric-acid,  Arsenic 
and  other  metallic  substances. 


REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH.  443 

CHAPTER    XV. 
REAL   ANT)    APPARENT    DEATH. 

In  this  chapter  we  shall  glance  briefly  at  the  cause  of 
death,  the  signs  which  denote  its  near  approach,  and  its 
final  presence  ;  and  lastly,  we  shall  speak  of  appa/rent 
death,  and  its  proper  treatment. 

1.    ACTUAL  DEATlff 

The  direct  cause  of  death  and  how  it  is  that  when  a 
certain  portion  of  the  mechanism  of  the  system  is  de- 
ranged, the  whole  machine  may  cease  its  motion,  is  an 
interesting  subject  of  inquiry. 

In  looking  at  the  human  system,  we  notice  what  ample 
provisions  have  been  made  for  maintening  life.  We 
have,  first,  the  heart  and  the  blood-vessels,  which  con- 
nect with  and  are  distributed  to  every  part  of  the  system. 
Next  we  have  the  lungs,  and  the  case  in  which  they  are 
lodged.  And  lastly,  the  power  which  works  and  regu- 
lates the  machine  vested  in  the  nervous  system.  The 
main  organs  of  these  systems,  the  heart,  the  lungs,  the 
brain,  are  called  vital  organs,  and  if  the  functions  of  one 
are  arrested,  the  other  two  speedily  cease. 

That  the  heart  may  force  the  blood  from  its  cham- 
bers, a  certain  power  of  contraction  is  necessary,  and 
also,  the  presence  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of  blood  in  the 
chambers  of  the  heart  to  stimulate  them  to  contract. 
If  this  stimulus  is  withheld,  or  is  difficient,  the  heart 
will  soon  cease  to  beat. 

Respiration  is  subservient  to  the  circulation  of  the 
blood.  The  heart  and  the  lungs  respond  to  each  other, 
the  blood  being  sent  from  the  right  heart  to  the  lungs 
to  be  arterialized,  when  it  is  conveyed  back  to  the  heart, 
and  is  then  distributed  to  every  part  of  the  system. 


444  REAL    AND    APP'.KKNT    DF.ATH. 

But  to  carry  on  respiration  two  things  are  necessary  ; 
first,  air  to  enter  the  lungs  and  depart  at  intervals,  and 
second,  the  movements  of  the  chest,  to  cause  its  entrance 
and  exit  These  movements,  although  they  may  be  re- 
gulated by  the  will,  are  essentially  involuntary.  The 
act  of  respiration  depends  on  a  certain  condition  of  the 
medulla  oblongata,  and  if  this  condition  fails,  there  is 
no  action  of  the  chest,  no  expansion  of  the  lungs,  no  in- 
halation of  air.  and  consequently  no  chemical  change  in 
the  blood.  Respiration  therefore  is  dependent  directly 
on  the  nervous  system,  and  the  cases  are  by  no  means 
rare  where  the  nervous  system  receives  a  heavy  shock, 
that  the  chest  is  paralyzed,  and  the  lungs  rendered  in- 
capable of  performing  their  duty,  thus  causing  death. 

In  death  by  cenemia  the  supply  of  blood  for  the  heart 
fails.  The  heart  retains  the  power  of  contraction,  but 
there  is  no  blood  to  contract  upon.  We  see  a  striking 
instance  of  this  in  sudden  and  profuse  haemorrhage. 
The  countenance  and  lips  become  exceedingly  pale,  cold 
sweats  cover  the  'body,  the  pupils  are  dilated,  the  sight 
becomes  dim,  the  pulse  is  weak  and  faint,  and  insensi- 
bility speedily  follows.  In  connection  with  these  symp- 
toms there  is  often  nausea,  vomiting,  excessive  restless- 
ness, and  tossing  of  the  limbs,  delirium,  and  convulsions ; 
breathing  faint  and  gasping,  and  this  struggling  for 
breath  so  violent  that  the  cold  sweat  stands  in  drops 
upon  the  forehead,  gradually  grows  fainter  and  fainter 
until  death  closes  the  scene.  We  see  a  train  of  symptoms 
similar  to  the  above  in  the  soldier  bleeding  to  death  on 
the  battle-field,  in  the  mother  flooding  after  child-birth, 
and  in  those  cases  where  large  blood-vessels  are  wound- 
ed. In  death  by  anemia  the  cessation  of  the  nervous 
functions  is  occasioned  by  the  lack  of  blood  which  should 
pass  to  the  brain.  The  effect  of  position  illustrates  this. 
Syncope  will  much  more  rapidly  ensue  on  venesection, 
where  the  patient  is  in  an  upright  posture  than  when 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  445 


he  is  reclining.  Hence  in  case  of  syncope  we  place  the 
head  as  low  if  not  lower  than  the  trunk  of  body,  so  that 
the  blood  may  more  readily  pass  to  the  brain. 

Death  by  asthenia  is  directly  the  converse  of  the 
above.  Here  the  n-rvous  system  is  the  part  first  affect- 
ed,  and  through  it  the  heart  or  lungs.  The  heart  may 
be  full  of  blood,  yet  its  power  of  contraction  is  gone. 
Death  by  asthenia  is  sometimes  produced  by  causes 
which  act  primarily  through  the  nervous  system,  such 
as  intense  grief,  joy,  and  terror.  Death  occurring  from 
blows  on  the  epigastrium,  from  concussion  where  the 
brain  is  jarred,  and  from  electricity — are  of  this  kind. 
The  phenomena  are  different,  when  death  by  asthenia 
occurs  more  slowly,  from  disease,  especially  in  malignant 
cholera,  mortification,  and  acute  inflammation  of  the 
peritoneum.  In  these  cases  the  muscular  debility  is  ex- 
treme, but  the  intellect  is  clear,  and  the  hearing  some- 
times painfully  acute.  In  lingering  disorders  where 
there  is  a  long-continued  drain  on  the  system,  the  cause 
of  death  is  owing  in  part  to  both  anemia  and  asthenia. 
Death  from  want  of  a  proper  arterialization  of  the  blood 
may  be  caused  by  some  impediment  which  prevents  the 
introduction  of  air  into  the  lungs,  or  by  insensibility  of 
the  muscles  required  for  breathing,  caused  by  disease  or 
injury  of  the  brain  and  nervous  system.  In  the  latter 
case  it  is  generally  denominated  coma,  in  the  former  it 
is  termed  asphyxia.  The  means  by  which  air,  or  oxygen, 
which  is  its  vital  principle,  is  prevented  from  entering 
the  lungs  are  various.  Azotic,  hydrogen,  or  carbonic 
acid  gases,  all  incapable  of  maintaining  life,  may  be 
prevented  by  submersion,  and  to  death  from  this  cause 
we  give  the  name  of  drowning  •  or  by  stoppage  of  the 
mouth  and  nostrils — smothering;  by  mechanical  ob- 
struction of  the  Jarynx  and  trachea  from  within,  as  by 
food — choking  •  or  from  without,  as  with  a  cord — stran- 
gulation •  or  by  impeding  the  mechanical  action  neces- 


446  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

sary  for  the  admission  and  expulsion  of  air.  The  me- 
chanism of  respiration  consists  in  an  elevation  and  de- 
pression of  the  ribs,  performed  partly  by  the  action  of 
the  intercostal  muscles,  and  partly  by  the  descent  and 
ascent  of  the  diaphragm  and  the  action  of  the  abdomi- 
nal muscles.  If  motion  both  of  the  diaphragm  and  ribs 
be  at  the  same  time  stopped,  the  result  is  death  by  as- 
pJi>/,cia.  This  happens  with  persons  who  in  digging  are 
buried,  with  the  exception  of  their  head,  by  a  mass  of 
earth.  A  cast  was  attempted  to  be  taken  in  one  entire 
piece,  as  an  academic  model,  of  the  body  of  an  athletic 
black  man.  As  soon  as  the  plaster  began  to  set,  he  felt 
on  a  sudden,  deprived  of  the  power  of  respiration,  and 
to  add  to  his  misfortune  was  cut  off  from  the  means  of 
expressing  his  distress  ;  his  situation  was  perceived  just 
in  time  to  save  his  life.  The  same  immoveable  state  of 
the  lung-case  is  sometimes  produced  in  tetanus,  or  poi- 
soning by  strychnine,  or  from  disease  or  injury  of  the 
spinal  chord  above  the  origin  of  the  nerves  that  give  off 
the  phrenic  nerve ;  by  section  of  the  phrenic  and  inter- 
costal nerves,  and  by  ruptures  in  the  walls  of  the  thorax, 
through  which  air  is  admitted  to  the  lungs,  also  when 
the  pleura  become  filled  with  liquid  of  any  kind. 

We  can  more  readily  watch  the  development  of  suc- 
cessive symptoms,  which  arise  from  the  slight  and  in- 
sufficient admission  of  oxygen  to  the  lungs,  than  where 
there  is  entire  cessation  of  breathing.  In  the  latter  case 
fatal  effects  follow  so  speedily  as  to  give  us  but  little 
time  for  observation.  The  following  external  pheno- 
mena present  themselves  in  cases  of  impeded  respiration. 
The  first  sensation  is  one  of  distress  about  the  region  of 
the  lungs,  accompanied  with  violent  struggles  for  breath, 
in  which  there  is  an  involuntary  effort  to  expand  the 
chest  by  bringing  into  action  the  intercostal  muscles, 
the  diaphragm  and  all  the  muscles  connected  with 
breathing.  These  struggles  become  exceedingly  violent 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  447 


and  almost  convulsive,  and  are  accompanied  with  a  sen- 
sation of  extreme  agony.  This  agony,  however,  is  of 
short  duration  being  speedily  followed  by  a  torpor, 
which  gradually  deprives  the  sufferer  of  all  conscious- 
ness. The  struggles,  however,  continue,  assuming  the 
form  of  convulsions  both  of  the  trunks  and  limbs,  in 
which  nature  seems  to  be  making  giant  efforts  for  free- 
dom, and  to  burst  the  fetters  which  are  every  moment 
pressing  stronger  and  stronger  on  the  seat  of  life.  During 
these  struggles  the  lips  and  face  become  blue  and  livid  ; 
the  veins  in  the  head  swell  until  they  stand  out  like 
chords ;  the  eyes  become  bloodshot,  and  seem  as  if 
starting  from  the  head.  At  length  the  convulsions  sub- 
side into  a  scarcely  perceptible  twitching  of  the  limbs, 
and  this  soon  ceases,  and  is  followed  by  a  fatal  immo- 
bility. The  muscles  relax,  and  even  the  sphincter  which 
retain  their  irritability  to  the  last  moment,  give  way. 
The  pulse  is  still  perceptible,  and  the  heart  flutters  for  a 
moment  longer,  contracting  feebly  and  with  quick  vibra- 
tions. In  a  few  moments  this  also  stops,  and  the  circu- 
lation ceases.  Now  is  the  time  when  life  is  almost  ex- 
tinct, the  lamp  has  gone  out,  leaving  but  a  faint  spark, 
and  unless  immediate  and  the  most  energetic  measures 
are  resorted  to,  no  human  power  can  fan  that  spark  into 
a  flame,  and  bring  back  warmth  and  life  to  the  cold  and 
torpid  body.  When  asphyxia  is  more  gradually  induced, 
the  sufferings  are  more  protracted.  The  painful  sense 
of  anxiety  is  accompanied  with  vertigo,  humming  in  the 
ears,  scintillations  before  the  vision,  and  various  pheno- 
mena. The  extinction  of  irritability  is  gradual,  and  is 
not  attended  with  epileptic  convulsions.  There  is  a 
greater  discoloration  of  the  body  but  less  of  face. 

Asphyxia,  causing  sudden  death,  is  not  generally  wit- 
nessed in  disease,  but  more  frequently  occurs  in  acci- 
dents. In  chronic  as  well  as  acute  cases,  there  is  often- 
times a  tendency  to  asphyxia  for  some  little  time.  In 


448  REAL,  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

these  cases  we  see  a  gasping  for  breath,  energetic  and 
violent  action  of  the  muscles,  livid  looks,  blood-shot  eyes, 
dilated  pupils,  an  expression  of  extreme  agony,  cold 
sweat,  frequently  delirium  and  those  various  phenomena 
we  observe  in  shorter  cases,  showing  that  the  blood  is 
imperfectly  arterialized.  Examination  after  death  gives 
us  the  same  condition  of  the  heart  and  blood-vessels  as 
in  shorter  cases. 

Death  by  coma  as  well  as  asphyxia  is  very  common. 
In  the  former  case  certain  morbid  states  of  the  brain 
produce  stupor,  the  respiration  becomes  slow,  irregular 
and  stertorous,  the  functions  of  the  nerves  which  pro- 
duce the  movement  of  the  throat  fail,  the  chest  ceases 
to  expand,  the  blood  is  no  longer  secreted  and  death 
ensues.  The  difference  between  death  by  coma  and 
asphyxia  is  this — in  the  former  case  sensibility  ceases 
first,  then  the  movement  of  the  thorax,  and  consequently 
the  action  of  the  lungs ;  in  the  latter  case  the  chemical 
function  of  the  lungs  ceases  first. 

Signs  indicating  the  approach  of  death.  There  is 
often  near  the  termination  of  life  a  comparative  pause 
in  the  progress  of  the  disease,  when  the  mind  emerges 
from  the  clouds  which  have  hung  around  it,  and  shines 
with  its  accustomed  brightness,  and  all  physical  suffer- 
ing seems  to  have  subsided.  This  is  sometimes  called 
the  "  lightning"  before  death,  and  is  frequently  viewed 
by  friends  with  joy,  who  think  they  see  in  that  delusive 
calm — death's  herald,  a  sign  of  returning  health.  The 
amendment  is  not  real,  unless  the  pulse  has  improved ; 
the  energies  of  life  are  otherwise  worn  out,  and  the 
lamp  is  only  flashing  up  for  a  moment,  before  it  goes 
out  in  darkness.  When  sensibility  to  outward  impres- 
sions is  lost,  and  the  mind  is  either  delirious  or  darkened 
by  the  mists  of  death,  scenes  which  have  been  strongly 
impressed  on  the  mind,  may  reappear  and  again  pass 
before  mental  vision. 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  449 


Dr.  Armstrong  departed  delivering  medical  precepts. 
Lord  Tenderden,  who  passed  straight  from  the  judgment- 
seat  to  his  death-bed,  fancied  himself  still  presiding  at 
a  trial,  and  expired  with  "  Gentlemen  of  the  jury,  you 
will  now  consider  of  your  verdict."  Dr.  Adam,  the 
author  of  the  Roman  Antiquities,  imagined  himself  in 
school,  and  uttering  the  then  touching  and  expressive 
words — "  But  it  grows  dark — the  boys  may  dismiss,"  in- 
stantly died.  He  mistook  the  darkness  of  death  which 
was  casting  its  film  over  his  eyes,  and  the  eternal  rest 
on  which  he  was  entering,  for  the  shades  of  evening  and 
the  welcome  rest  which  they  bring.  Before  the  spirit  of 
Napoleon,  in  his  last  moments  was  moving  the  mighty 
panorama  of  the  past.  He  was  again  on  the  battle-field, 
at  the  bridge  of  Lodi,  struggling  by  the  Pyramids  ;  the 
thunder  of  battle  was  in  his  ears,  and  as  there  passed 
before  his  eyes  that  mighty  army  he  had  so  often  led  to 
victory  "  Tete  d'armee"  broke  from  his  dying  lips. 

The  symptoms  indicating  the  near  approach  of  death 
are  not  always  the  same.  Some  in  their  last  moments 
toss  the  clothes  from  the  chest,  as  if  their  weight  was 
uncomfortable,  and  though  the  attendants  anxious  to 
carry  out  their  own  ideas  of  comfort,  and  not  permit  the 
dying  to  contract  a  cold,  are  resolute  in  replacing  them, 
they  are  as  often  thrust  back.  The  patient  is  often  un- 
conscious of  his  acts,  yet  they  indicate  that  the  weight 
of  the  clothes  is  insupportable,  and  it  is  only  a  mistaken 
kindness  to  replace  them,  when  he  is  using  his  utmost 
efforts  to  cast  them  aside.  Too  often  are  the  dying  sur- 
rounded by  friends,  who  cluster  around  the  bedside,  for- 
getting, that  to  him  every  breath  of  air  is  a  precious 
boon,  and  by  their  sobs  and  lamentations  torture  and 
agonize  the  soul  in  its  last  moments.  The  hearing  is 
often  painfully  acute,  even  when  the  patient  is  supposed 
to  be  in  a  state  of  insensibility,  and  the  frantic  bursts  of 
agony  from  weeping  friends  are  often  to  the  dying,  al- 


450  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

though  they  may  be  unable  to  express  it,  the  bitterest 
ingredient  in  their  cup  of  death.  Others  pick  the  sheets 
or  work  them  between  their  fingers.  This  may  be  to 
excite  by  friction  the  sense  of  touch  or  the  restlessness 
produced  by  excited  nerves.  The  functions  of  the  eye 
become  disordered,  and  black  spots  or  motes  and  various 
illusions  float  before  the  vision,  which  the  patient  at- 
tempts to  clutch  with  his  hand,  or  brush  away.  Many, 
on  beholding  these  symptoms,  look  upon  them  as  an  in- 
fallible sign  of  death,  but  in  this  they  are  sometimes 
mistaken. 

The  awful  shadows  of  death,  which  hang  around  the 
dying,  seem  at  times  to  give  the  soul  a  glimpse,  before 
it  leaves  the  body,  into  the  spirit  world.  In  this  peculiar 
state,  when  the  spirit,  although  not  separated  from  the 
body,  seems  partly  in  another  state  of  existence,  there 
is  an  expression  on  the  countenance,  almost  unearthly, 
and  occasionally  words  and  disjointed  sentences,  which 
show,  if  the  spirit  is  not  passing  the  threshold  of  another 
world,  and  has  become  conscious  of  some  of  its  scenes, 
it  is  unconscious  of  anything  in  this.  A  scene,  which 
occurred  several  years  since,  produced  at  the  time  a 
strong  impression  on  my  mind.  A  young  lady,  a  de- 
voted Christian,  accomplished  and  beautiful,  and  whose 
fondness  for  music  amounted  to  a  passion,  was  dying. 
She  seemed  entirely  unconscious,  her  eyes  closed,  the 
limbs  cold,  the  pulse  imperceptible  or  faintly  fluttering, 
the  breathing  so  faint  as  scarcely  to  stir  the  down  of  a 
feather.  Her  friends  were  standing  around  in  silent 
anguish,  expecting  every  moment  the  lamp  which  was 
burning  so  feebly  would  go  out.  Suddenly  her  lips 
slightly  parted  and  a  strain  of  heavenly  music  was  heard, 
at  first  faint  and  trembling  and  then  swelling  in  volume 
and  harmony,  until  it  seemed  gushing  forth  wave  on 
wave  of  liquid  melody;  no  words  could  be  distinguished; 
the  strain  was  like  nothing  earthly,  surpassing  in  sweet- 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  •  ,  -    .     ,  451 


ness  anything  to  which  I  had  supposed  the  voice  was 
capable  of  giving  utterance.  The  strain  ceased  and  she 
was  silent  for  perhaps  half  an  hour,  when  it  again  burst 
forth,  gradually  swelling  into  a  song  of  triumph.  It 
seemed  as  if  she  had  already  crossed  the  threshold  of 
the  spirit  land,  caught  the  symphony  of  the  skies,  and 
was  tuning  her  harp  to  the  song  of  angels.  After  the 
strain  had  ceased,  which  lasted  about  five  minutes,  she 
remained  in  the  same  unconscious  state  for  an  hour,  and 
then  breathed  her  last. 

When  disease  passes  into  dying,  the  symptoms  assume 
a  certain  defined  character,  which  generally  tells  the 
tale  to  every  eye.  The  eyes  half  closed  and  turned  up- 
wards, sunk  in  their  sockets,  wear  a  glazed  and  filmy 
appearance.  Cheeks  and  temple  are  generally  sunken, 
the  nose  sharp,  the  lips  and  face  sometimes  pale,  and 
wearing  that  ashy  hue,  which  involuntarily  reminds  one 
of  death,  or  livid  with  the  dark  blood  which  creeps 
sluggishly  through  the  veins.  The  voice  loses  its  fami- 
liar tones,  and  becomes  faint  or  comes  with  a  mufiled 
sound  The  cold  of  death  seizes  on  the  extremities  and 
gradually  creeps  towards  the  centre  of  life  ;  the  breath 
is  chill,  cold  and  clammy  sweat  bedews  the  skin.  The 
respiration  whether  faint  and  languid,  or  labored,  grows 
slow  and  feeble.  The  breath  comes  with  a  gurgling 
sound,  and  the  death  rattle  is  heard  at  every  expulsion 
of  air.  The  lungs  like  the  pulse  are  intermittent  in 
their  action,  and  the  breathing  is  in  broken  gasps.  The 
pulse  is  faint  and  intermittent,  and  the  artery  scarcely 
swells  beneath  the  finger.  The  pulse  ceases,  trembles 
along  the  artery,  and  again  ceases ;  the  heart  flutters, 
the  chest  faintly  rises ;  it  is  the  last  effort  of  expiring 
vitality :  again  the  pulse  quivers  beneath  your  finger 
— stops — and  all  is  over.  "  Life's  fitful  dream  is  past." 
A  finely  moulded  form  is  before  you,  but  the  spark  of 


452  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

vitality  has  fled.  Death  has  conquered,  and  his  seal  is 
on  the  cold  pulseless  form  before  you. 

Sign*  of  death.  Shakespeare,  whose  active  brain  al- 
lowed nothing  to  escape  him,  must  have  watched  by 
many  a  death-bed,  as  in  the  description  which  the  Friar 
gives  to  Juliet  of  the  effects  of  the  draught  which  is  to 
transform  her  into  the  temporary  likeness  of  a  corpse, 
he  thus  sums  up  the  more  obvious  characteristics  of 
death : 

"  No  pulse  shall  keep 

His  natural  progress,  but  surcease  to  beat ; 

No  warmth,  no  breath,  shall  testify  thou  livest : 

The  roses  on  thy  lips  and  cheeks  shall  fade 

To  paly  ashes ;  thine  eye's  windows  fall, 

Like  death  when  he  shuts  up  the  day  of  life  ; 

Each  part,  deprived  of  supple  government, 

Shall  stiff,  and  stark,  and  cold  appear,  like  Death." 
Respiration  is  a  function  essential  to  life,  as  without 
it,  we  know  there  can  be  no  arterialization  of  the  blood, 
and  therefore  no  circulation.  Sir  B.  Brodie  says,  the 
heart  never  continues  to  act  more  than  five  minutes 
after  respiration  entirely  ceases.  The  cessation  of  this 
function  then  may  be  considered  a  sure  indication  of 
death.  To  ascertain  with  certainty  whether  it  had  en- 
tirely ceased,  it  was  formerly  the  custom,  and  is  to  a 
certain  extent  among  the  masses  at  present,  to  place  a 
feather  or  mirror  before  the  lips,  and  if  the  feather 
moved,  or  a  mist  stained  the  glass,  they  were  convinced 
that  life  was  not  extinct.  When  Lear  brings  in  Cor- 
delia, dead,  he  exclaims : 

"  Lend  me  a  looking  glass  ; 

If  that  her  breath  will  mist  or  stain  the  stone, 

Why  then  she  lives  !" 

and  immediately  adds.  "  T/i  is  feather  mows:  she  lives/' 
Prince  Henry  also  was  equally  mistaken  in  believing  his 
father  dead, 

''  By  these  gates  of  breath 

There  lies  a  downy  feather,  which  stirs  not : 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  453 


Did  he  suspire  that  light  and  weightless  down 
Perforce  must  move !" 

Neither  of  these  tests  can  be  relied  on,  as  the  down 
may  be  moved  by  some  agitation  of  the  surrounding  air, 
and  the  mirror  be  covered,  by  some  exhalation  of  the 
body,  presenting  the  appearance  of  condensed  vapor  of 
the  breath.  Owing  to  extreme  physical  exhaustion, 
respiration  may  be  so  faint,  that  to  the  casual  observer 
it  appears  to  have  entirely  ceased.  It  is  frequently  the 
case,  that  the  transition  from  life  to  death  is  so  quiet 
and  gentle,  that  the  observer  is  not  conscious  of  the 
change,  until  the  drooping  jaw  and  stiffening  features 
tell  that  life  is  extinct. 

Dr.  Paris  says,  however  slow  and  feeble  respiration 
may  become  by  disease,  yet  it  must  always  be  percep- 
tible, provided  the  naked  breast  and  belly  be  exposed ; 
for  when  the  intercostal  muscles  act,  the  ribs  are  elevat- 
ed, and  the  sternum  is  pushed  forward :  when  the  dia- 
phragm acts,  the  abdomen  swells,  now  this  can  never 
escape  the  attentive  eye  ; .  and  by  looking  at  the  chest 
and  belly,  we  shall  form  a  safer  conclusion,  than  by  the 
popular  methods  which  have  been  usually  adopted. 
No  perceptible  motion  of  the  heart  or  arteries  may  be 
perceived,  and  yet  respiration  not  have  entirely  ceased. 

The  temperature  of  the  body  relied  on  by  some,  is  by 
no  means  a  correct  guide.  An  icy  skin,  although  sooner 
or  later  an  unfailing  accompaniment,  is  not  of  itself  a 
sufficient  evidence  of  death.  The  temperature  of  the 
body  for  Jiours  after  death  will  be  owing  in  a  great  mea- 
sure to  age,  the  disease  of  which  the  person  died,  habits 
of  body  and  the  temperature  of  the  room,  in  which  it  is 
placed.  The  bodies  of  young  persons  retain  heat  longer 
than  those  of  old  In  old  age  or  slow  and  exhausting 
disease  the  bodies  are  frequently  cold  even  before  the 
breath  has  left  the  body,  certainly  in  a  very  short  time 
after.  In  most  kinds  of  asphyxia,  except  drowning 


454  REAL    AND    APPARENT    DEATH. 


the  bodies  grow  cold  very  slowly,  also  in  diseases  which 
are  very  rapid  in  their  progress.  The  change  from 
warmth  to  cold  will  be  slower  where  the  body  is  well 
wrapped  up,  in  summer  than  in  winter,  in  still  atmos- 
phere than  in  currents  of  air.  There  are  numerous  cases, 
as  in  hysterics  and  various  other  forms  of  disease,  where 
the  coldness  of  the  body  is  corpse-like,  notwithstanding 
there  are  no  immediate  indications  of  death.  The  first 
apparent  effect  of  death  is  relaxation  of  the  muscles. 
The  flesh  is  soft,  the  joints  flexible,  the  lower  jaw  drops 
and  the  limbs  hang  heavily.  This  is  followed  by  con- 
traction, in  which  the  flesh  is  hard,  the  muscles  rigid 
and  the  joints  unbending.  The  rigidity  commences  in 
the  trunk  and  neck ;  it  then  appears  in  the  thoracic  ex- 
tremities, then  in  the  lower,  and  in  receding  passes  off 
in  the  same  way.  Its  appearance  is  varied  by  age,  the 
constitution  of  the  person,  and  the  form  of  disease.  It 
appears  on  an  average  five  or  six  hours  after  death,  and 
ordinarily  continues  from  sixteen  to  twenty-four  hours, 
In  those  who  die  of  lingering  diseases,  old  age,  and 
where  life  slowly  ebbs  away,  it  comes  on  more  quickly, 
sometimes  in  half  an  hour,  and  remains  but  a  short 
time,  continuing  longer,  where  it  commences  latest.  In 
the  strong  and  athletic,  in  most  of  those  who  die  a 
speedy  or  violent  death,  the  contraction  is  strong  in  a 
ratio  with  the  development  of  the  muscular  system  at 
death,  is  slow  in  advancing  and  slow  in  going  off.  In 
these  cases  it  is  often  a  day  or  two  before  it  commences, 
and  sometimes  lasts  a  week.  When  contraction  of  the 
muscles  commences,  we  know  that  life  is  extinct,  as  this 
phenomenon  never  occurs  as  long  as  the  body  retains 
the  least  particle  of  vitality.  When  this  rigidity  passes 
off,  the  body  again  become  flexible,  and  this  is  another 
strong  indication  of  death.  Flexibility  after  rigidity  is 
not  to  be  mistaken  for  that  which  occurs  before.  So 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  455 


long  as  the  limbs  continue  flexible  before  rigidity  we 
may  suppose  there  may  be  some  remains  of  life. 

After  rigidity  passes  offj  and,  not  before,  begins  putre- 
faction. It  generally  commences  in  the  belly,  the  skin 
of  which  turns  a  bluish  green,  gradually  increasing  to 
brown  or  black,  and  progressively  spreads  over  the  body. 
Myston  regards  this  stiffness  as  a  measure  of  resistance 
opposed  by  organic  to  chemical  forces.  "Life  on  the 
point  of  extinction  seems  to  take  refuge  in  the  muscles, 
and  there  causes  the  spasms  we  speak  of,  and  during 
their  continuance  is  able  to  resist  the  operation  of  che- 
mical forces."  It  will  readily  be  perceived  that  the  ri- 
gidity of  the  body  is  a  point  of  great  importance,  and 
there  is  no  necessity  for  the  cadaverous  stiffness  to  be 
mistaken  for  any  other.  In  stiffness,  occasioned  by 
freezing  where  the  body  is  not  yet  dead,  not  the  muscles 
only  but  the  entire  body,  belly,  breasts,  and  skin  are 
hard.  This  together  with  the  crackling  of  the  joints  on 
forcible  flexure,  is  a  sufficiently  marked  point  of  distinc-' 
tion.  Neither  can  the  stiffness,  which  occurs  in  certain 
forms  of  disease,  well  be  mistaken  for  that  which  takes 
place  after  death.  In  the  former  case  it  occurs  while 
the  body  has  a  certain  amount  of  heat,  and  precedes  ap- 
parent death — in  the  latter,  the  body  is  comparatively 
cold,  and  there  is  a  distinct  interregnum  after  apparent 
death.  In  both  cases  there  is  great  difficulty  in  moving 
the  limb,  but  in  the  former  when  bent,  if  the  force  is 
removed,  it  flies  back  to  its  former  position,  while  in  the 
latter,  it  continues  its  bent  form;  and  if  death  takes 
place  in  these  convulsive  diseases,  the  stiffness  passes 
off,  and  is  followed  at  the  proper  time  by  the  rigidity  of 
death,  which  runs  its  usual  course.  But  a  mark  which 
cannot  be  mistaken  is  the  termination  of  cadaverous 
rigidity,  in  flexibility^  which  is  a  certain  indication  of 
dissolution 

From  what  has  been  said,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  de- 


456  REAL   AND   APPARENT    DEATH. 


tection  of  the  presence  of  death  is  not  generally  a  very 
difficult  matter.  Instances  have  undoubtedly  occurred 
where  persons  have  been  buried  alive ;  yet  they  were 
jiriiifi pally  in  days  of  ignorance  and  superstition,  or 
during  a  period  when  some  terrific  pestilence  was  num- 
bering its  victims  by  hundreds  or  thousands ;  when  the 
change  from  life  to  apparent  death  covered  over  but  a 
few  hours,  and  when  a  person  was  hurried,  in  the  clothes 
in  Avhich  he  died,  into  his  coffin  and  grave.  At  these 
times  when  the  community  and  friends  are  panic-stricken, 
we  may  reasonably  suppose  that  occasionally  cases  oc- 
curred, where  apparent  was  mistaken  for  real  death. 
There  are  but  few  cases  in  which  .a  physician  would 
have  any  difficulty  in  detecting  the  presence  of  death. 

In  opening  graves  for  the  purpose  of  removing  the 
dead  or  for  other  causes,  bodies  have  been  found  turned 
on  their  sides,  the  grave-clothes  disarranged,  and  the 
flesh  lacerated.  Many  a  tender  heart  has  been  made 
'sad,  and  many  a  bitter  tear  shed  as  these  developments 
of  life  in  the  grave  have  been  unfolded.  These  myste- 
ries, however,  are  very  easily  explained,  without  tortur- 
ing the  heart  with  the  idea  that  a  friend  has  aroused 
from  the  stupor  of  apparent  death  to  find  himself  in  the 
grave,  and  there  writhing  and  gnawing  his  flesh  in  the 
agony  of  despair,  died.  A  gas  sooner  or  later  is  deve- 
loped in  the  decaying  body,  which  by  its  mechanical 
force,  mimics  many  of  the  movements  of  life.  It  twists 
about  the  body,  blows  out  the  skin  until  it  rends,  and 
sometimes  bursts  the  coffin.  This  gas  is  so  powerful  in 
corpses  which  have  been  some  time  in  the  water,  that 
M.  Devergie,  the  physician  to  the  Morgue  in  Paris,  says, 
that  unless  secured  to  the  table  they  are  often  heaved  up 
and  thrown  to  the  ground.  The  food  is  sometimes 
forced  from  the  mouth,  and  the  blood  from  the  nose, 
and  even  the  pores  in  the  skin.  The  bloody  sweat  which 
in  days  of  superstition  was  supposed  to  appear  on  the 


ACTUAL    DEATH.  457 


murdered  body  in  the  presence  of  the  assassin,  must 
have  been  produced  by  the  struggling  gas  forcing  out 
the  fluid. 

Zs  dying  painful  f  This  question  by  the  community 
at  large  has  been  answered  in  the  affirmative.  Thoij- 
sands  have  looked  forward  with  a  thrill  of  fear  to  that 
period  when  the  soul  should  make  its  final  exit  from  the 
body  ;  not  in  all  cases,  that  they  feared  for  the  future, 
or  that  they  had  any  very  strong  attachments  for  life, 
but  it  was  the  sepulchral  chill  of  that  breeze  which 
swept  over  them  from  the  land  of  shadows,  that  fearful 
death  agony  forcing  the  cold  sweat  from  every  pore  in 
the  body,  that  appalling  struggle  with  a  power,  whose 
grasp  is  the  freezing  grasp  of  death,  a  struggle  in  which 
the  silver  cord  drawn  to  its  utmost  tension,  breaks,  which 
made  death  appear  so  terrible.  And  yet  death  is  not 
painful.  It  comes  in  truth  like  a  welcome  sleep  to  a 
weary  traveller.  When  dying  commences,  pain  ceases, 
and  the  change  is  like  that  produced  in  an  atmosphere 
laden  with  the  narcotic  exhalations  of  poppies  in  which 
the  senses,  while  a  feeling  almost  of  delight  pervades 
the  system,  are  gradually  overpowered.  As  death  creeps 
on,  the  strength  declines,  a  torpor  steals  over  the  ner- 
vous system,  and  notwithstanding  there  may  be  physical 
indications  of  pain,  such  as  contortions  of  the  counte- 
nance, and  spasms  of  the  limbs,  suffering  does  not  in 
reality  exist.  A  few  years  since  I  was  standing  by  the 
side  of  a  patient,  whose  case  I  had  watched  with  un- 
usual interest,  and  who  had  for  several  days  been  so 
near  death,  that  every  visit  I  made  I  trembled  lest  I 
should  find  her  a  corpse.  Starting  from  a  torpor  in 
which  she  had  been  for  some  time,  her  breath  came  in 
hurried  gasps,  the  countenance  was  distorted,  the  limbs 
convulsed,  the  body  writhed,  so  that  it  was  almost  im- 
possible to  hold  her  in  the  bed.  Her  friends  believing 
that  she  was  dying,  burst  into  tears,  but  were  somewhat 
20 


458  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 


quieted  when  I  told  them  there  was  no  immediate 
danger.  She  has  since  told  me  that  during  this  period 
she  had  no  control  over  these  convulsions,  yet  was  en- 
tirely free  from  pain  excepting  that  occasioned  by  the 
agony  of  her  friends.  She  retained  even  after  her  re- 
covery an  almost  vivid  recollection  of  every  thing  which 
occurred  during  this  period.  We  should  suppose  that 
the  so-called  agony  could  never  be  more  formidable  than 
where  the  brain  is  the  last  to  yield,  and  the  patient  re- 
tains his  consciousness  to  the  last.  Yet  persons  thus 
situated  generally  say  there  are  few  things  in  life  less 
painful  than  the  close.  William  Hunter  said :  "  If  I  had 
strength  enough  to  hold  a  pen  I  would  write  how  easy 
and  delightful  it  is  to  die."  The  observation  very  com- 
monly is  heard  from  lips  soon  to  be  cold  in  death.  "  If 
this  be  dying,  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  to  die."  "  I  thought 
that  dying  had  been  more  difficult,  said  Louis  XIV." 
In  those  who  retain  their  consciousness  to  the  last,  an 
agreeable  disappointment  seems  to  pervade  the  minds 
of  all.  The  stream  instead  of  growing  turbulent,  loses 
itself  in  a  gentle  placid  current. 

There  are  but  very  few  diseases  more  painful  than 
asthma,  before  the  sensibility  is  blunted  and  the  strength 
enfeebled,  and  in  this  disease  we  should  naturally  sup- 
pose the  patient  would  fight  vehemently  for  life.  Dr. 
Campbell,  the  well-known  Scotch  professor  had  an  at- 
tack which  well  nigh  carried  him  off  a  few  months  be- 
fore he  finally  succumbed  to  the  disease.  A  cordial 
gave  him  speedy  and  unexpected  relief,  and  his  first 
words  were  those  of  astonishment  at  the  sad  countenances 
of  his  friends,  because  he  said  his  own  mind  was  in 
such  a  state  at  the  crisis  of  the  attack  from  the.  expec- 
tation of  immediate  dissolution,  that  there  was  no  other 
way  to  describe  his  feelings  than  by  saying  he  was  in 
nipture.  If  physical  agony  had  existed,  it  would  not 
have  been  so  entirely  subdued  by  mental  ecstacy. 


APPARENT    DEATH.  459 


Persons  who  have  been  rescued  from  drowning,  have 
invariably  said,  that  after  the  first  struggle  was  over, 
the  sensation  was  of  the  most  pleasant  character.  A 
gentleman  once  stated  to  me  who  was  rescued  at  the 
last  moment,  that  as  he  sunk  for  the  last  time  all  con- 
sciousness of  danger  gave  place  to  sensations  of  pleasure. 
At  first  he  wondered  whether  his  friends  would  be  suc- 
cessful in  rescuing  him,  hoping  they  would  not,  then  as 
languor  gradually  crept  over  him,  he  watched  the 
changes  of  light  and  shadow  until  complete  insensi- 
bility took  place.  When  being  resuscitated,  however,  he 
suffered  the  most  intense  tortures ;  as  the  machinery  of 
the  system  resumed  its  play,  every  nerve  was  full  of  the 
most  exquisite  pain.  The  account  given  by  a  distin- 
guished British  naval  officer  of  his  own  case  is  familiar 
to  all.  While  in  the  water  he  said  every  event  of  his 
life  flashed  like  lightning  across  his  mind.  There  was 
also  an  absence  of  pain.  Intense  cold,  instead  of 
being  attended  after  the  first  few  moments  with  pain, 
brings  on  a  stupor,  which  quickly  passes  into  the  sleep 
of  death.  In  hanging,  where  the  victim  has  been  cut 
down  at  the  last  moment  all  agree,  that  the  uneasi- 
ness is  quite  momentary,  that  a  pleasurable  feeling  im- 
mediately succeeds,  that  colors  of  various  hues  start  up 
before  the  sight,  and  that  these  having  been  gazed  on 
for  a  trivial  space,  all  is  oblivion.  As  we  have  already 
said,  unless  the  stage  of  agony  is  crossed  at  a  stride, 
disease  stupefies  when  it  is  about  to  kill.  As  the  dis- 
ease has  been  painful,  so  generally  is  dying  entirely 
the  reverse. 

2.    APPARENT  DEATH. 
Apparent  Death  from  Drowning. 

The  symptoms  met  with  in  drowning  are  varied. 
Some,  on  being  precipitated  into  the  water,  paralyzed 
by  fear,  or  stunned  by  the  fall,  sink  like  lead  and  die 


460  REAL   AND    APPARENT    DEATH. 

without  a  struggle.  Others,  still  possessed  of  their  fa- 
culties, struggle  to  keep  themselves  on  the  surface,  but 
as  their  strength  fails,  their  motions  are  made  at  ran- 
dom, and  they  clutch  at  every  thing  within  their  reach. 
From  the  irregularity  of  their  motions,  they  rise  and 
sink  several  times.  At  every  opportunity  an  attempt 
is  made  to  obtain  a  breath  of  air,  but  usually  water  is, 
introduced  with  it,  which  exciting  a  cough,  is  expelled 
from  the  teachea,  the  same  effort  also  expelling  the 
air  which  had  been  introduced.  A  fresh  demand  for 
air  is  thus  created,  and  a  hurried  attempt  made  to  gra- 
tify it,  but  the  very  eagerness  defeats  its  own  object, 
for  water  is  again  introduced.  Unless  the  head  is  fully 
raised,  some  portion  of  the  water  passes  into  the  stomach, 
but  the  larger  portion,  together  with  the  air  taken  in, 
is  expelled  by  the  spasms  of  the  glottis.  In  this  con- 
tinued struggle  the  blood  rushes  to  the  head,  the  brain 
becomes  congested,  and  all  effort  for  life  ceases.  The 
victim  sinking  for  the  last  time,  unable  to  obtain  air, 
whereby  respiration  may  be  continued  and  the  blood 
arterialized,  the  lungs  become  filled  with  venous  blood, 
the  strokes  of  the  heart  grow  weaker  and  weaker,  sensi- 
bility gradually  departs,  and  the  victim  glides  quietly 
and  with  a  feeling  of  luxury  creeping  over  him  into  the 
arms  of  death. 

From  what  has  been  already  said,  it  will  very  readily 
be  seen,  that  drowning  is  simply  a  kind  of  suffocation, 
caused  not  by  the  presence  of  water  in  the  lungs  or 
stomach,  for  there  is  but  very  little  there,  but  by  the 
shutting  out  the  atmospheric  air  from  the  air-passages 
of  the  lungs,  thus  preventing  the  oxygenation  of  blood, 
and  thereby  extinguishing  the  lamp  of  life. 

Let  us  now  inquire  into  the  treatment  to  be  pursued 
in  resusitating  persons  taken  from  the  water. 

If  there  are  no  marks  of  violence  sufficient  to  have 
caused  death,  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  the  person 


APPARENT    DEATH.  461 


was  alive  when  immersed,  or  there  is  a  possibility  that 
life  may  not  be  quite  extinct,  the  treatment  should  at 
once  be  judicious,  active,  and  decided,  yet  there  should 
be  the  utmost  caution  in  avoiding  every  thing  like  rough 
usage.  The  mouth  and  nostrils  should  be  cleaned. 
The  wet  clothes  immediately  stripped  from  the  body, 
the  body  wiped  dry,  and  immediately  covered  with 
warm  dry  clothes  or  blankets.  The  colder  the  weather, 
the  more  necessary  it  is  that  this  should  be  done  on  the 
spot,  unless  there  is  some  place  very  near  at  hand,  where 
these  matters  can  be  more  readily  carried  into  execution. 
It  cannot  be  too  strongly  impressed  on  the  mind  of  those 
who  are  first  on  the  ground,  and  generally  non-profes- 
sional men,  to  confine  themselves  rigidly  to  these  plain 
and  simple  directions.  By  doing  this  they  will  have 
paved  the  way  for  the  more  active  treatment,  which  is 
to  follow. 

An  error  in  the  first  steps  may  prove  fatal.  There 
are  hundreds  lost  in  the  confusion  and  want  of  order 
which  prevails  at  first,  that  might  have  been  saved,  if 
the  attendants  would  only  bear  in  mind  the  fact,  that 
every  thing  which  is  done,  must  be  done  at  the  right 
time,  and  in  the  right  way. 

In  removing  the  body,  care  should  be  taken  that  it  is 
not  lifted  by  the  shoulders  and  legs,  so  that  the  head 
would  fall  backward,  or  forward,  for  this  would  be 
highly  injurious.  It  should  be  placed  on  a  door-board, 
or  in  a  cart,  in  a  recumbent  posture  with  the  head  and 
breast  raised.  On  reaching  its  destination,  the  body 
should  be  placed  on  a  table  of  convenient  height,  strip- 
ped and  covered  with  warm  blankets,  the  head  and  chest 
raised,  and  the  mouth  and  nostrils  kept  free  and  open. 
Artificial  respiration  should  now  be  commenced. 

The  tube  of  a  common  pair  of  bellows  can  be  made, 
by  the  assistance  of  a  strip  of  linen,  riband,  or  tape,  to 
fit  accurately  into  one  nostril,  while  the  other  is  closed 


462  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

by  the  hand  of  an  assistant,  who  at  the  same  time  closes 
the  mouth.  Another  assistant  (who  ought  to  be  placed 
on  the  opposite  or  left  hand  of  the  body)  is  with  his 
right  hand  to  press  backwards,  and  draw  gently  down- 
ward toward  the  chest  the  upper  end  of  the  wind-pipe, 
that  part  which  lies  a  little  below  the  chin,  and  which 
from  its  prominence  in  men,  is  vulgarly  called  Adam's 
<ij'j>fe;  by  doing  this,  the  gullet  or  passage  into  the 
stomach  will  be  completely  stopped,  whilst  the  wind- 
pipe will  be  rendered  more  open  to  let  the  air  pass 
freely  to  the  lungs.  The  left  hand  of  the  second  as- 
sistant is  to  be  spread  lightly  over  the  pit  of  the  stomach, 
ready  to  compress  the  chest  and  expel  the  air  again, 
as  soon  as  the  lungs  have  been  moderately  filled  by  the 
bellows ;  the  first  assistant  unstopping  the  mouth  or 
nostril  at  the  same  time  to  let  the  air  escape.  The 
same  operation  is  to  be  repeated  in  a  regular  and  steady 
manner,  either  until  natural  respiration  begins,  or  until 
this  and  the  other  measures  recommended  have  been 
persisted  in  for  three  or  four  hours  without  any  appear- 
ance of  returning  life,  unless  the  stiffness  of  the  limbs 
and  other  positive  signs  of  death  set  in.  In  the  absence 
of  the  bellows,  until  one  can  be  procured,  air  can  be 
blown  into  the  lungs  by  applying  the  mouth  of  the  ope- 
rator to  that  of  the  patient,  and  expelled  from  the  chest 
in  the  manner  directed  above.  To  imitate  the  natural 
movements  in  respiration  the  motions  in  artificial  respi- 
ration should  be  about  fifteen  times  in  a  minute.  While 
the  process  of  artificial  respiration  is  going  on,  some  of 
the  assistants  should  be  engaged  in  communicating 
continued  heat  to  the  body.  Dry  warm  blankets,  bags 
of  warm  grain,  bottles  of  hot  water,  hot  bricks,  or  blan- 
kets wrung  out  in  hot  water,  are  among  the  means  to 
be  used.  Should  the  accident  happen  in  the  vicinity 
where  warm  water  can  be  readily  obtained,  a  warm  bath, 
moderated  to  a  heat  not  exceeding  100°  would  be  highly 


APPARENT    DEATH.  463 

advantageous.  Bottles  of  hot  water  should  be  placed 
at  the  bottom  of  the  feet,  to  the  joints  of  the  knees  and 
under  the  arm  pits.  A  bladder,  filled  with  hot  water, 
should  be  applied  to  the  region  of  the  stomach,  and 
some  warm  substance,  as  a  heated  brick,  wrapped  in 
cloths,  should  be  passed  over  the  body,  particularly  along 
the  back.  The  application  of  heat,  however,  should  be 
gradual.  Slight  shocks  of  electricity  or  galvanism 
passed  through  the  diaphragm  and  heart  would  pro- 
bably be  of  advantage,  as  this  agent  possesses  an  im- 
mense power  over  the  nervous  system.  The  first  evi- 
dences of  returning  life  are  slight  convulsive  twitchings 
in  the  muscles  of  respiration,  producing  gasping  or 
sighing.  Our  efforts  on  the  approach  of  these  signs 
should  be  increased  as  the  life  of  the  patient  is  still 
comparatively  in  our  hands  and  can  only  be  saved  by 
the  greatest  effort,  as  it  takes  some  time  before  the 
blood  can  be  arterialized,  and  the  mechanism  of  the 
body  resumes  its  wonted  motion;  a  little  brandy  may 
now  from  time  be  introduced  in  the  stomach,  and  an 
enema  of  tepid  water  given.  As  the  suspension  of  ani- 
mation is  devoid  of  pain  and  attended  with  a  feeling 
of  luxury,  so  is  the  return  of  life  agonizing  in  the  ex- 
treme, so  much  so,  that  the  patient  often  instead  of 
expressing  gratitude,  curses  the  officiousness  of  friends, 
who  have  made  him  suffer  such  torture. 

Even  when  the  breathing  has  become  calm  and  the 
circulation  apparently  restored,  there  still  remains  a 
period  of  danger,  and  the  patient  for  a  few  hours  should 
be  closely  watched.  The  treatment  we  have  detailed 
as  necessary  in  drowning,  would  also  be  applicable  in 
asphyxia  from  strangulation,  or  in  fact  from  any  cause, 
with  those  deviations  which  would  naturally  suggest 
themselves  to  the  mind  of  every  intelligent  medical  man. 


464  REAL   AND    APPARENT    DEATH. 

Apparent  Death  from  Hanging,  Choking,  or  Smothering. 

The  treatment  in  apparent  death  from  any  of  the 
above  causes  is  similar  to  that  indicated  in  apparent 
death  from  drowning. 

Apparent  Death  from  noxious  Gases. 

Deaths  from  Carbonic-odd  Gas,  Carburetted-hydrogen 
Ga*t  and  other  poisonous  gases  are  very  common.  Car- 
bonic-acid gas  is  often  found  in  the  bottom  of  wells, 
and  in  large  vessels,  where  fermentation  has  been  going 
on.  The  presence  of  the  gas  may  readily  be  detected 
by  lowering  a  candle ;  if  it  goes  out,  of  course  the  air 
will  not  support  life,  while  if  it  burns  brightly,  there  is 
no  danger.  In  burning  charcoal,  the  carbon  of  the  coal 
uniting  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  forms  carbonic-acid 
gas,  and  unless  the  room  is  freely  ventilated,  the  air 
soon  becomes  incapable  of  supporting  life.  Hence  deaths 
often  occur  by  burning  a  pan  of  charcoal  in  a  tight 
room,  the  occupants  unconscious  of  danger,  having  re- 
tired to  rest.  Death  in  this  way  is  like  the  gliding  into 
a  dreamy  and  pleasant  sleep. 

The  body  should  immediately  be  removed  into  a  cool, 
fresh  current  of  air.  Cold  water  should  be  freely 
dashed  on  the  neck,  face  and  breast,  or  if  the  body  is 
cold,  warmth  should  be  applied.  Artificial  respiration 
and  the  application  of  galvanism  may  also  be  resorted 
to,  as  directed  in  drowning.  After  life  has  been  restored,- 
a  drop  of  Opium  may  be  mixed  with  a  tumbler  half-full 
of  water,  and  a  teaspoonful  given  once  in  half  an  hour. 

Apparent  Death  from  Hunger. 
The  agony  endured  where  life  slowly  ebbs  away  from 
starvation,  is  beyond  description.  Small  injections  of 
warm  milk  should  be  repeatedly  given,  and  cloths  wet 
with  warm  milk  or  brandy  placed  on  the  stomach.  As 
signs  of  returning  life  manifest  themselves,  warm  milk 
may  be  given  drop  by  drop,  gradually  increased  to  a 


APPARENT    DEATH.  465 


teaspoonful,  followed  after  a  short  interval  by  a  little 
beef  tea,  or  a  few  drops  of  wine.  After  a  little  sleep, 
solid  food  may  be  taken,  and  the  patient  permitted 
gradually  to  return  to  a  full  diet. 

Apparent  Death  from  Freezing, 

In  freezing  the  first  symptom  of  approaching  danger 
is  an  intense  and  almost  irresistible  drowsiness.  Notwith- 
standing the  person  knows  that  to  sleep  is  to  die,  yet 
the  desire  to  sleep  is  so  strong  that  he  often  neglects  to 
take  the  only  precaution  left  him — exercise,  but  quietly 
lies  down  and  dies. 

Where  a  person  is  found  in  the  stupor  or  apparent 
death,  caused  by  intense  cold,  he  should  be  removed, 
not  to  a  heated  apartment,  as  we  should  thereby  pre- 
clude all  hope  of  restoring  animation,  but  to  a  place 
of  shelter,  such  as  a  barn  or  a  room  without  a  fire, 
where  he  can  be  protected  from  drafts  of  air.  He  should 
then,  especially  if  there  be  stiffness  or  rigidity,  be 
covered  several  inches  with  snow,  leaving  the  nostrils 
free,  or  if  snow  cannot  be  obtained,  he  should  be  placed 
in  a  bath,  the  water  being  made  as  cold  as  possible  by 
means  of  ice.  After  the  stiffness  is  removed  by  this 
treatment,  the  clothes  should  gradually  be  removed,  by 
cutting  them  off  if  necessary,  and  the  body  rubbed  with 
snow  until  it  becomes  red,  or  if  snow  is  not  to  be  ob- 
tained, it  should  be  wiped  dry — placed  in  a  room  mo- 
derately warm — covered  with  flannel,  and  briskly  rub- 
bed with  the  hands  of  several  persons  at  the  same  time. 
If  notwithstanding  the  above  treatment,  no  signs  of  life 
show  themselves,  an  enema  of  Camphor  and  water  may 
be  given  once  in  fifteen  minutes ;  the  rubbing  being 
continued.  As  soon  as  symptoms  of  approaching  life 
become  apparent  a  little  strong  black  coffee  without 
milk  may  be  administered  in  an  enema,  and  the  patient 
also  be  permitted  to  swallow  a  little  as  soon  as  able. 
20* 


466  REAL  AND  APPARENT  DEATH. 

For  the  severe  pains  which  are  often  felt  after  life  is 
restored,  a  powder  of  Carbo-veg.  should  be  given  once  in 
fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  followed  or  alternated,  if  ne- 
cessary, after  five  or  six  doses,  with  Arsenic.  The 
patient  should  avoid  for  some  time  the  heat  of  a  fire, 
as  it  will  produce  intense  pain,  and  have  a  tendency  to 
cause  serious  derangement  of  the  system. 

Apparent  Death  l>y  Lightning. 

The  body  should  be  placed  in  the  open  air  or  an  open 
room,  and  cold  water  freely  dashed  on,  the  face,  neck, 
and  chest  If  the  body  be  cold,  warmth  or  friction  may 
be  applied.  Artificial  respiration  should  also  be  prac- 
ticed as  recommended  in  drowning. 

Some  have  recommended  that  the  patient  should  be 
placed  in  a  recumbent  posture,  and  covered  with  newly 
excavated  earth  until  signs  of  returning  life  are  appa- 
rent. A  powder  of  Nva-v.  may  be  placed  on  the  tongue, 
and  repeated  if  necessary  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes. 

Apparent  Death  from  a  Fall. 
The  patient  should  be  placed  gently  on  a  bed  with 
the  head  elevated.  A  little  Arnica  mixed  with  water 
may  be  introduced  into  the  mouth,  and  the  body  care- 
fully examined  to  see  if  there  are  no  fractures.  If  the 
pulse  is  full  and  slow  the  patient  should  be  bled. 


PAET    SECOND. 


ANATOMY,    PHYSIOLOGY,    HYGIENE,    THE    TRUE 
THEORY  OF  CURE,  AND  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


467 


DOMESTIC    PKACTICE. 


PART    SECOND. 


CHAPTER    I. 

ANATOMY. 

THE  idea  is  somewhat  startling  that  the  dust,  which  is 
blown  in  our  faces  on  a  windy  day,  once  formed  a  part 
of  living  beings  as  active,  intelligent,  and  full  of  life  as 
ourselves ;  that  the  very  water  we  drink  has  entered  into 
strange  and  curious  combinations. 

From  the  human  system,  water  passes  into  the  air  in 
enormous  quantities.  The  tiny  flower  that  blooms  almost 
unseen  and  which  we  may  crush  by  a  step,  the  grass 
covering  the  earth  with  its  velvet  mantle,  the  flowering 
shrub  and  the  foliage  of  the  mighty  forest  tree,  all  throw 
into  the  atmosphere  which  envelops  the  earth  a  vast 
amount  of  moisture.  This,  collecting  in  the  upper  re- 
gions of  the  air,  descends  again  in  refreshing  showers, 
or  distils  upon  the  earth  in  gentle  dew. 

Who  can  say  whether  the  crystal  fluid,  which  we  quaff 
with  such  delicious  pleasure,  may  not  once  have  spark- 
led, on  the  leaf  of  a  rose,  or  glittered  on  the  swarthy 
brow  of  an  African  sweating  at  his  daily  toil  beneath  a 
scorching  sun.  The  air,  that  great  reservoir,  which  sur- 
rounds us  on  all  sides,  covers  alike  the  negro  and  the 
prince,  and  mingles  together  the  drop  which  falls  from 
the  brow  of  the  dying  monarch,  and  the  tear  of  suffering 
in  the  hovel  of  the  poor  and  lowly.  In  that  vast  re- 
public there  is  no  distinction,  all  are  alike. 

469 


470  ANATOMY. 

Man  from  his  infancy  to  liis  grave  is  constantly  under- 
going change.  There  are  at  work  within  him  forces, 
ever  active,  never  tiring,  until  the  heart  ceases  to  beat  and 
death  and  decay  commence.  Yet  this  change  in  health 
is  attended  with  no  pain,  but  is  the  simple  and  beauti- 
ful process  of  nature,  bringing  new  materials  to  take 
the  place  of  worn  out  particles,  keeping  alive  within  us 
that  process  of  combustion,  which  warms  us  in  winter 
and  cools  us  in  summer,  the  derangement  of  which 
causes  disease  and  death. 

We  are  to  look  in  this  and  the  following  chapter,  at 
the  physical  organization  of  man,  and  unfold  step  by 
step,  the  most  wonderful  and  beautiful  mechanism,  which 
ever  came  from  the  hand  of  the  Eternal.  "We  are  to 
unveil  for  a  time  the  human  frame,  and  gaze  upon  bone, 
and  blood,  and  muscle,  and  nerve,  and  tissue,  and  ex- 
amine the  various  parts  which  make  up  this  beautiful 
structure,  and  inquire  into  their  organization,  form  and 
use,  the  process  of  health,  of  regeneration  and  decay,  of 
life  and  death.  We  are  to  lift  the  curtain  of  nature  and 
gaze  into  her  secret  chambers.  We  shall  find  these 
chambers  irradiated  with  a  pure  and  holy  light,  and, 
stamped  upon  all,  the  impress  of  the  most  perfect  wis- 
dom. We  shall  learn  here  a  lesson  of  simplicity,  truth 
and  harmony,  and  admire  the  wisdom  and  love  of  that 
Being  who  made  so  perfect  and  beautiful  an  earthly 
habitation  for  the  deathless  soul. 

In  examining  the  human  system  we  shall  look, 

1st,  at  its  bony  frame-work,  or  skeleton. 

2d,  The  muscles. 

3d,  The  brain  and  nervous  system. 

4th,  The  organs  connected  with  respiration  and  cir- 
culation. 

6th,  The  organs  connected  with  digestion,  secretion, 

excretion  and  reproduction. 
1st,  THE  BONES  or  SKELETON.     The  bony  frame-work 


THE   BONES.  *  471 


of  the  human  system  consists  of  two  hundred  and  eight 
pieces.  [See  plate  2,  fig.  1.]  Of  these,  eight  compose 
the  skull — viz.  The  frontal-bone  or  forehead,  the  two 
parietal  bones,  forming  the  sides  of  the  cranium  and 
meeting  at  a  line  directly  on  the  top  of  the  skull,  the 
occipital  forming  the  back  part  of  the  skull,  the  temporal, 
the  lower  part  of  the  sides  of  the  head  around  the  ears, 
and  the  ethnoid  and  sphenoid.  The  former  passes  from 
one  temporal  bone  to  the  other  across  the  base  of  the 
cranium,  and  the  other  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  the 
anterior  portion  of  the  cranium.  These  bones  form  a 
cavity  for  the  brain,  which  is  thus  in  its  bony  covering 
guarded  in  the  most  perfect  manner  from  external  vio- 
lence. The  edges  of  the  bones  are  as  it  were  dove-tailed 
into  each  other ;  they  are  soft  and  capable  of  expansion 
in  infancy,  but  in  after  life  become  solid.  The  bones  of 
the  cranium  as  well  as  those  of  the  face  are  perforated 
in  several  places,  so  that  the  nerves  may  pass  out  from 
the  brain  and  perform  their  functions. 

THE  FACE.  The  bones  of  the  face  are  fourteen  in 
number.  The  two  nasal  bones,  form  the  arch  or  bridge 
of  the  nose ;  the  vomer  separates  the  two  passages ; 
the  two  malar  bones,  form  the  prominence  of  the  cheek 
and  are  generally  called  check  bones.  The  superior 
maxillary  bone,  forms  the  upper  jaw,  and  the  inferior 
maxillary  bone,  the  lower  jaw.  Of  the  teeth  we  shall 
treat  when  speaking  of  their  diseases. 

THE  TRUNK.  We  are  now  to  notice  that  curiously  con- 
trived and  beautifully  arranged  column,  which,  while  it 
supports  the  head  and  trunk,  holding  in  the  centre  that 
great  nerve  (spinal  marrow)  which  passes  off  from  the 
brain  and  gives  out  other  branches  to  almost  every  part 
of  the  body,  still  permits  us  to  bend  in  every  direction 
with  the  most  perfect  ease. 

This  column  [Plate  2,  fig.  -3,]  is  composed  of  twenty- 
four  distinct  bones  with  projections,  which,  forming  a 


472  ANATOMY. 

canal  behind  the  body  of  the  vertebrae  for  the  spinal 
marrow,  serve  also  to  bind  the  bones  together  and  as 
attachments  for  the  muscles.  Between  the  joints  of 
the  vertebrae  is  a  highly  elastic  cartilaginous  tissue, 
which  serves  as  a  cushion  to  break  the  jar  which  would 
otherwise  be  felt  in  the  brain  at  every  step.  With 
the  aid  of  this  elastic  cushion  and  the  backward  and 
forward  curve  of  the  spine,  no  direct  motion  is  com- 
municated to  the  head.  The  first  seven  bones  are  called 
cervical  or  neck  bones,  5,  then  follow  twelve  dorsal  bones, 
6,  then  five  lumbar  vertebrae,  7,  and  last  the  sacrum 
and  coccyx.  We  have  thus  the  spinal  column  supporting 
the  head  as  well  as  giving  form  and  support  to  the  trunk, 
but  another  bony  cavity  is  required  to  contain  and  guard 
those  vital  organs,  the  lungs  and  heart.  We  therefore 
find  them  placed  in  the  chest  or  thorax  [Fig.  4,]  which 
when  well  developed  adds  so  much  to  the  beauty  and 
noble  appearance  of  the  human  race.  This  cavity  is 
formed  by  twenty-four  ribs.  Twelve  on  each  side,  start- 
ing from  the  twelve  dorsal  vertebrae  and  coming  forward 
in  a  curve,  seven  of  the  upper  ones  on  each  side  unite 
directly  by  means  of  a  cartilage  with  a  bone  in  front, 
2,  called  the  sternum  or  breast-bone.  Three  lower  ones 
united  by  a  cartilage  are  called  false-ribs,  and  the  two 
remaining  without  anterior  connection  are  called  floating 
ribs.  The  natural  form  of  the  chest  then  resembles  a 
pyramid  or  cone,  the  apex  of  which  is  at  the  top.  It  is 
not  unusual  in  these  days  of  fashion  and  artificial  beauty, 
to  find  the  order  reversed,  and  the  apex  at  the  bottom. 
Rest  assured,  however,  that  nature's  ways  are  the  best, 
and  that  she  generally  contrives  to  punish  severely  those, 
who  with  fool-hardy  temerity  seek  to  fetter  or  restrain 
her  movements.  We  have  another  bony  cavity  or  basin 
forming  the  lower  extremity  of  the  trunk,  essential  to 
the  support  of  the  abdomen,  as  well  as  to  those  organs 
placed  in  its  vicinity.  This  is  called  the  pelvis  [Plate 


THE    BONES.  473 


2,  jig.  6.]  There  are  posteriorly  two  bones  forming 
the  lower  extremity  of  the  spinal  column,  and  sometimes 
called  false  vertebras — viz.,  the  sacrum  and  coccyx,  3.  5. 
From  these  proceed  anteriorly  in  the  form  of  a  curve,  a 
larger  bone  on  either  side,  called  the  innominata,  meet- 
ing in  front  at  what  is  called  the  pubis.  The  upper 
portion  of  these  bones,  7.  8.  are  known  as  the  hip-bones, 
the  lower  portion,  9.  10.  as  the  seat-bones. 

LOWER  EXTREMITIES.  At  about  the  middle  of  the  in- 
nominata  are  two  cavities,  2.  4.  into  which  are  inserted 
the  thigh-bone  or  femur,  forming  what  is  called  a  ball 
and  socket  joint.  The  extremity  of  this  bone  articulates 
with  the  tibia,  the  large  bone  of  the  leg,  the  fibula,  or 
smaller  bone,  being  firmly  bound  to  it  at  the  knee,  form- 
ing a  hinge-joint.  Over  this  joint,  affording  it  protec- 
tion, is  placed  a  smaller  bone  connected  with  the  femur 
and  leg  bones  by  ligaments  and  muscles.  It  is  called 
the  patella  or  knee-pan.  At  the  lower  extremity  of  the 
leg  we  have  the  small  tarsal  bones,  seven  in  number, 
forming  the  ankle.  Articulating  with  one  range  of  these 
bones  are  the  metatarsal,  five  in  number,  to  the  extremi- 
ties of  these  are  connected  the  bones  of  the  toes,  called 
the  phalanges  of  the  toes. 

Fig.  7.  represents  the  bones  of  the  ankle  and  foot. 
The  tarsal  or  ankle-bones,  1,  the  metatarsal,  2,  the  pha- 
langes of  the  toes,  3,  4,  5. 

THE  UPPER  EXTREMITIES.  The  clavicle  (collar-bone)  is 
attached  at  one  extremity  to  the  sternum  or  breast-bone, 
at  the  other  it  is  united  to  the  scapula  (or  shoulder- 
blade.)  It  keeps  the  arm  from  sliding  forward.  The 
shoulder-blade  is  situated  on  the.  upper  and  back  part 
of  the  chest  and  is  held  in  its  position  by  muscles.  The 
humerus  is  united  by  a  joint  with  the  scapula,  and  at 
the  elbow  it  is  articulated  with  the  ulna  of  the  fore-arm. 
This  bone  is  on  the  inside  of  the  arm,  while  the  radius, 
which  articulate  with  the  carpus,  forming  the  wrist-joint, 


474  ANATOMY. 

is  on  the  outside.  These  bones  at  their  extremities 
articulate  with  each  other,  the  upper  end  of  the  rarfnii*, 
rolling  on  the  ulna,  and  the  lower  end  of  the  ulna  roll- 
ing on  the  radius,  thus  permitting  the  varied  and  beauti- 
ful movements  of  the  arm.  The  carpus,  or  wrist,  is  com- 
posed of  eight  small  bones.  Articulating  with  one 
range  of  these,  is  the  metacarpus,  composed  of  five  bones, 
forming  the  body  of  the  hand.  United  to  these  are  the 
bones  of  the  fingers,  called  the  phalanges  of  the  fingers. 
The  articulation  of  the  bones  are  covered  with  cartilage, 
a  substance  of  the  nature  of  bone,  yet  smooth,  solid  and 
much  softer.  Covering  the  cartilage  and  forming  around 
the  joint  a  shut  sack,  is  the  syno-vial  membrane.  It  se- 
cretes a  serous  fluid,  which  serves  to  lubricate  the  joint 
so  that  the  motion  may  be  free,  easy,  and  without  pain. 
The  joints  are  kept  in  their  position  by  ligaments  or 
shining,  strong,  and  elastic  bands,  which  generally  sur- 
round the  whole  joint. 

The  bones  are  composed  of  animal  and  earthy  matter, 
the  earthy  part,  giving  them  strength  and  solidity,  while 
the  animal  imparts  vitality.  In  infancy  the  animal  sub- 
stance preponderates,  causing  the  bones  to  be  softer  and 
and  more  liable  to  bend  than  in  old  age,  when  the  earthy 
preponderates,  leaving  the  joints  stiff,  the  bones  brittle 
and  liable  to  break.  Over  the  bones  is  spread  a  thin 
membrane  called  the  periosteum.  This  membrane  may 
become  inflamed,  when  it  is  peculiarly  sensitive  and 
painful. 

We  have  thus  the  frame-work  of  the  human  system. 
The  bones  are  all  in  their  places,  but  they  are  only  in- 
animate bones,  without  life,  unable  to  perform  a  single 
movement.  Let  us  then  take  another  step,  cover  them 
with  muscles,  and  thus  attach  to  them  the  bands  and 
pulleys  by  means  of  which  movement  is  to  be  performed. 

THE  MUSCLES.  On  this  part  of  the  subject  we  shall  of 
necessity  be  short,  as  a  minute  description  would  lead 


THE    BONES.  475 


us  into  those  dry  and  technical  details,  which  would  be 
uninteresting  to  the  general  reader. 

The  muscles  are  composed  of  bundles  of  small  fibres 
enclosed  in  a  membranous  investment  or  sheath.  To- 
wards the  end  of  the  muscles  the  fibres  gradually  change 
into  the  tendons  or  cords,  by  which  they  are  strongly 
attached  to  the  bones. 

The  muscles  not  only  enable  us  to  move,  perform  re- 
spiration and  the  various  duties  of  nature  essential  to 
life,  but  give  form  and  beauty  to  the  frame,  form  those 
cavities,  within  which  are  enclosed  important  organs  re- 
quiring their  protecting  covering. 

The  prominent  characteristic  of  the  muscles  is,  con- 
tractility on  the  application  of  the  necessary  stimuli,  and 
relaxing  when  that  stimuli  is  withdrawn.  The  natural 
stimuli  is  the  will,  which,  flashing  like  lightning  along 
the  nerves,  causes  the  muscles  to  relax,  or  contract,  and 
produces  those  varied  and  rapid  movements  of  which 
the  body  is  capable.  Each  movement  or  expression  is 
the  result  of  the  contraction  and  relaxing  of  the  appro- 
priate muscles.  It  is  in  this  way  the  eyes  are  opened  or 
closed,  the  mouth  extended,  contracted,  opened,  or  clos- 
ed, the  face  wears  an  expression  of  grief,  or  is  merry 
with  smiles,  or  convulsed  with  laughter.  The  jaw  per- 
forms its  rapid  movements  in  mastication  in  this  man- 
ner ;  breathing  is  performed  by  the  contraction  and  ex- 
pansion of  the  muscles  of  the  chest  and  abdomen.  The 
rapid  movements  of  the  fingers  in  the  musical  performer 
and  the  varied  and  rapid  motions  of  the  dancer,  show 
how  obedient  the  muscles  are  to  the  mandate  of  the  will. 
In  the  upper  and  lower  extremities  the  muscles  which 
produce  flexion  and  those  which  produce  extension  are 
placed  on  opposite  sides.  In  the  lower  limbs  the  flexors 
are  placed  on  the  posterior  and  the  extensors  on  the  an- 
terior sides,  while  in  the  upper  limbs  their  situation  is 
directly  the  opposite.  The  strength  and  health  of  the 


476  ANATOMY. 

muscles  is  increase.!  by  proper  exercise.  This  fact  is 
familiar  to  all,  although  all  do  not  act  upon  the  common- 
sense  lesson  it  teaches,  and  take  the  necessary  exercise. 

Thus  we  perceive  when  the  stimuli  is  applied  to  one 
set  of  muscles,  they  contracting,  flex  or  draw  up  the 
limb.  Shut  off  the  nervous  stimuli  from  this  class  and 
direct  it  to  another,  and  their  fibres  contract,  and  the 
limb  is  extended.  Thus,  by  this  beautiful  process  the 
chest  expands,  the  bosom  rises  and  falls,  we  eat,  drink, 
move  and  live.  If  the  world  would  more  frequently 
follow  the  plain  and  simple  teachings  of  nature,  there 
would  be  far  less  sighing  and  groaning  than  at  present. 
See  Plate  3. 

We  have  now  clothed  the  before  naked  and  unsightly 
skeleton  with  flesh,  giving  it  beauty  and  symmetry  of 
form.  Still  there  is  no  movement;  all  is  as  still  and 
quiet  as  the  form  of  the  dead.  The  machine  is  ready 
for  action,  but  has  not  yet  felt  the  quickening  influence 
of  life.  Let  us  then  advance  another  step  and  examine 
the  seat  of  that  power,  whose  quickening  influence  is  in- 
fused throughout  the  system,  and  whose  mandate  the 
muscles  hasten  to  obey. 

THE    BRAIN   AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM. 

We  have  seen  that  a  cavity  is  formed  by  the  bones  of 
the  skull  and  continued  through  an  opening  in  its  base 
down  through  the  centre  of  the  vertebras  to  their  ex- 
tremity. It  is  to  hold  within  its  bony  embrace  that 
greyish  white,  soft  and  pulpy  substance,  called  the  cere- 
bro-spinal-axis.  Of  this,  the  part  passing  through  the 
vertebrae,  giving  off  branches  to  every  part  of  the  sys- 
tem, is  generally  known  as  the  spinal  cord,  while  the 
upper  or  enlarged  portion,  also  giving  off  branches,  is 
called  the  brain. 

The  brain,  look  at  it  closely,  examine  it  minutely, 
bring  to  your  aid,  if  you  please,  the  powers  of  the  mi- 


NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  477 


croscope,  and  what  do  you  see  ?  A  soft,  pulpy,  greyish, 
white  substance,  and  yet  this  is  the  seat  of  the  death- 
less soul,  here  mind  reigns  and  intellect  forges  those 
thoughts,  which,  like  the  thunderbolts  of  Jehovah,  scatter 
ruin  and  death,  rouse  a  nation  to  arms,  shake  a  world,  or 
infuse  around  an  atmosphere  of  purity  and  love. 

Here  are  conceived  the  glowing  thoughts  of  the  poet, 
the  bright  visions  and  gorgeous  pictures  of  the  artist, 
plans  pure  and  holy,  or  debasing,  polluting  and  devilish. 
This  is  the  fountain  of  purity  and  greatness,  and  of  filth, 
abomination  and  discord.  And  yet  do  we  see  any  of 
these  workings  in  that  mass  before  us  ?  Do  we  see  how 
the  thought  is  transmitted  along  those  electric  lines,  the 
nerves,  to  the  remotest  extremity  ?  Or  is  the  fluid  so  sub- 
tile as  to  elude  our  gaze  ?  We  feel  the  blow  which  fells 
us  to  the  earth,  but  can  our  eyes  see  that  nervous  stimuli 
which  induces  the  action  ?  Is  it  not  natural  to  suppose, 
that  when  an  agent  so  quick  and  subtile,  so  powerful  in 
its  influence  on  the  system  becomes  diseased  or  derang- 
ed, it  requires  not  the  blow  of  the  hammer  to  set  it 
right,  but  rather  a  power  quick  and  subtile,  yet  with 
sufficient  strength  to  restore  healthy  action  ? 

This  cerebro-spinal-centre  is  enclosed  in  three  mem- 
branes. The  external  one,  forming  the  inside  lining  of 
the  bone  is  called  the  dura  mater.  On  the  inner  side 
of  the  dura  mater  is  a  thin  serous  membrane  called  the 
arachnoid.  The  serous  fluid  it  secretes  in  a  healthy 
state,  seems  to  lubricate  the  brain ;  in  a  diseased  state 
this  fluid  may  increase  in  quantity  and  oppress  that 
organ.  The  third  membrane  investing  directly  the  brain, 
is  highly  vascular,  composed  of  a  net-work  of  innume- 
rable vessels  held  together  by  cellular  tissue.  It  is  the 
nutrient  membrane  of  the  brain,  and  is  called  the  pia 
rri'iter. 

Not  only  motion,  but  life  itself  depends  on  the 
healthy  action  of  the  nervous  system.  The  cerebro- 


478  ANATOMY.  ^ 

spinal-centre  in  its  bony  cavity  guides  and  controls  every 
action  by  means  of  branches  of  nerves,  which  ramify 
throughout  every  part  of  the  body.  Of  these  branches 
the  brain  proper  sends  off  twdw  pairs.  One  pair  rami- 
fies upon  the  membrane  lining  the  nasal  passages, 
creating  the  delicate  sense  of  smell,  and  are  called  the 
o1  factory  nerves.  A  second  pair,  penetrates  the  coats  of 
the  eye,  and  expands  into  the  retina,  forming  a  surface 
upon  which  every  object  is  pictured,  and  creating  the 
sense  of  sight.  These  are  the  optic  nerves.  The  third, 
fourth  and  sixth  pairs  are  distributed  among  the  muscles 
of  the  eyes.  The  fifth  pair  has  three  important  branches. 
One  branch  passes  out  from  the  skull  at  a  notch  distinct- 
ly felt  about  the  middle  of  the  eyebrow,  and  sends 
branches  to  the  forehead,  eyes  and  nose.  The  second 
branch  supplies  the  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  and  passing 
out  through  a  notch  in  the  malar  (or  cheek)  bone,  sends 
a  branch  to  the  eye  and  ramifies  over  the  face.  The 
third  branch  supplies  the  teeth  of  the  lower  jaw  by 
sending  a  small  branch  to  each  tooth.  It  also  sends 
branches  to  the  muscles  of  the  lower  jaw,  the  ear  and 
the  tongue.  It  is  generally  in  this  nerve  and  its. branches 
that  we  have  that  most  agonizing  of  all  pain,  prosopalgia 
or  neuralgia  of  the  face. 

Other  nerves  supply  the  ear,  the  glands  of  the  mouth, 
the  mouth,  tongue,  throat  and  muscles  of  the  neck. 
The  tenth  or  pneumogastric  nerve,  gives  out  branches 
to  the  respiratory  and  digestive  organs. 

As  we  descend  from  the  brain  to  the  spinal  cord,  we 
find  it  giving  off  thirty-one  pairs  of  nerves,  each  arising 
by  two  roots,  one  of  which  is  called  the  motor,  the  other 
the  sensitive  root.  The  motor  root  arises  from  a  narrow 
white  band  on  anterior  columns  of  the  cord,  while  the 
sensitive  start  from  the  internal  part  of  the  cord. 

Five  pairs  in  the  vicinity  of  the  shoulder,  unite, 
ibriaiug  what  is  called  the  brachial  plexus,  and  again 


NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  479 


separate  in  six  nerves,  which  ramify  on  the  muscles  and 
skin  of  the  upper  extremities.  For  the  sake  of  con- 
venience, we  may  mention,  that  the  first  eight  pairs  of 
nerves,  commencing  at  the  top  of  the  column,  are  called 
cervical,  the  next  twelve  dorsal,  the  next  five  lumhar 
and  the  last  six  sacral  nerves.  Besides  the  brachial 
plexus,  above  mentioned,  there  is  also  a  lumbar  and 
sacral  plexus,  formed  in  the  same  manner,  supplying  the 
lower  extremities,  the  hips,  the  abdomen  and  the  organs 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  pelvis. 

From  what  has  been  already  said  it  will  be  perceived, 
that  the  nerves  of  the  spine  as  well  as  the  brain  are  of 
two  kinds,  the  motor,  or  nerves  of  motion,  and  the  sen- 
sitive, or  perves  of  sensation.  The  nerves  of  motion  com- 
municate principally  with  the  muscular  tissues  and  the 
various  organs  of  the  body,  while  those  of  sensation 
ramify  more  particularly  on  the  skin.  Hence  the  pain 
in  cutting  through  the  skin  is  much  more  severe  than 
in  the  tissue  beneath.  If  the  nerves  of  motion  are  in- 
jured so  that  they  cannot  act  on  either  side,  there  is  an 
entire  paralysis  of  that  side  or  organ,  notwithstanding 
the  sensation  may  be  as  acute  as  ever.  So  also  when  the 
nerves  of  sensation  are  paralized,  notwithstanding  there 
may  be  no  diminution  of  motion  in  the  part,  with  which 
they  communicate,  yet  all  sense  of  feeling  is  entirely 
gone.  Sever  the  optic  nerve,  which  is  a  nerve  of  sen- 
sation, and  sight  would  be  entirely  destroyed,  notwith- 
standing the  motion  of  the  eye  would  remain  uninjured. 
Yet  if  the  nerve  of  motion  were  severed,  the  sight  would 
remain  uninjured,  but  the  eye  becomes  fixed  and  mo- 
tionless ;  and  so  with  the  other  nerves  of  the  head  and 
spine.  Hence  we  are  often  unable  to  move  some  par- 
ticular part  of  the  body  in  which  feeling  may  be  acute, 
and  on  the  contrary,  sensation  may  be  absent  and  motion 
perfect. 

Besides  the  nerves  already  enumerated,  there  is  still 


480  ANATOMY. 

another,  which  performs  a  most  important  part  in  the 
economy  of  life,  viz. :  The  sympathetic  nerve.  It  con- 
sists of  a  chain  of  ganglia,  or  knots,  extending  the  whole 
length  of  the  spinal  column  on  each  side.  It  communi- 
cates by  its  branches,  not  only  with  the  spinal  but 
cranial  nerves,  and  all  the  internal  organs  of  the  head 
and  trunk.  Every  part  of  the  body  is  more  or  less  under 
its  influence,  as  filaments  from  it,  accompany  all  the 
blood-vessels  throughout  their  course.  Thus  a  sym- 
pathetic chain  is  kept  up  throughout  the  body  both  in 
health  and  disease. 

DIGESTION.  A  proper  understanding  of  the  organs  con- 
nected with  digestion  is  of  course  important,  as  their  de- 
rangement is  the  fruitful  source  of  a  large  share  of  our 
physical  sufferings. 

Situated  around  the  mouth,  are  six  salivary  glands, 
three  on  each  side  of  the  jaw,  the  parotid,  svbmasdllanj, 
and  sublingual.  Their  secretion  called  saliva,  is  dis- 
charged through  small  ducts  into  the  mouth.  Back  of 
the  cavity  of  the  mouth,  and  connecting  with  it,  is  a 
large  passage  connecting  above  with  the  passages  of  the 
nose,  and  below  with  the  larynx,  by  means  of  which 
air  is  passed  to  the  lungs,  and  the  (esophagus,  through 
which  food  passes  into  the  stomach,  called  the  pharynx. 
The  oesophagus  is  a  muscular  tube  extending  behind 
the  larynx,  heart  and  lungs,  through  the  diaphragm 
into  the  stomach.  The  diaphragm  is  a  muscular  curtain, 
separating  entirely  the  organs  of  the  chest  from  those 
of  the  abdomen.  It  rises  and  falls  with  every  respi- 
ration. The  stomach  is  located  on  the  left  side  of 
the  abdomen,  just  below  the  diaphragm,  it  has  two 
openings,  the  upper  or  .cardiac  orifice  connecting  with 
the  oesophagus,  and  admitting  the  food,  the  lower  or 
pyJoric  orifice,  connected  with  the  intestines,  through 
which  the  food  passes  after  undergoing  the  action  of 
the  stomach. 


DIGESTION.  481 


The  intestines  are  divided  into  large  and  small.  The 
email  intestine,  which  is  about  twenty-five  feet  in  length, 
is  divided  into  the  duodenum,  jejunum,  and  illium.  The 
large  intestine,  about  five  feet  in  length,  is  divided  into 
the  coecum,  colon  and  rectum.  The  duodenum  com- 
mences at  the  pyloric  orifice  of  the  stomach,  and  is  about 
twelve  fingers  in  length.  Into  it  open  the  ducts  from 
the  liver  and  pancreas.  The  jejunum  is  a  continuation 
of  the  duodenum,  as  is  the  illcuin  of  the  jejunum. 
These  forming  the  small  intestines,  pass  in  convolution 
from  one  side  to  the  other,  until  the  illeum  terminates 
in  the  colon  by  a  valvular  opening  near  the  right  hip- 
bone. The  ccecum  is  a  blind  pouch  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  large  intestines.  From  this  point  the  large 
intestine  or  colon  ascends  on  the  right  side,  crosses  the 
abdomen  just  below  the  liver  and  stomach,  descends  on 
the  left  side  to  the  hip-bone,  where  curving  on  itself  it 
passes  downwards  from  the  rectum  and  terminates  in 
the  anus. 

Th»  peritoneum  is  a  serous  membrane  adhering  to  the 
inner  surface  of  the  abdominal  cavity,  and  is  reflected 
over,  invests,  and  supports  the  viscera  of  the  cavity. 

After  having  completely  invested  an  organ  it  passes 
double  to  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  to  be  there  expanded. 
These  duplicatures  confine  the  organs  in  their  place  and 
support  them.  That  which  supports  the  intestines  is 
called  the  mesentery,  and  a  very  large  one,  hanging 
loose  before  them,  keeping  them  warm,  is  dalled  the 
(Amentum. 

The  lacteal*  are  small  vessels  commencing  on  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  small  intestine,  in  the  upper 
portion  of  which  they  are  the  most  numerous,  passing 
between  the  membranes  of  the  mesentery  to  several 
successive  ranges  of  glands,  diminishing  in  number  and 
increasing  in  size  at  each  successive  range  until  they 
open  into  the  enlarged  portion  of  the  thoracic  duct. 
21 


482  ANATOMY. 

This  duct  passes  through  the  diaphragm  to  the  lower 
part  of  the  neck,  where  it  opens  into  a  vein  which  passes 
directly  to  the  heart.  The  food  then,  after  it  has  been 
digested  by  the  stomach,  passes  into  the  duodenum,  and 
there  mingling  with  the  secretions  of  the  liver  and 
pancreas,  is  taken  up  in  the  form  of  chyle,  as  it 
passes  along  the  intestines,  by  the  innumerable  mouths 
of  these  little  absorbents,  the  lacteals,  by  them  conveyed 
to  the  thoracic  duct,  and  through  it  passed  into  the  cir- 
culation, and  thus  conveyed  to  every  part  of  the  system. 

The  liver  is  a  large  gland,  weighing  three  or  four 
pounds,  situated  on  the  right  side  below  the  diaphragm. 
On  the  under  surface  is  the  gall-bladder,  which  acts  as 
a  reservoir  for  the  bile. 

The  pancreas  is  a  long  gland  situated  behind  the 
stomach  transversely  across  the  posterior  part  of  the 
abdomen.  From  it  as  well  as  from  the  liver  a  duct 
jmssos  into  the  duodenum. 

The  spleen  is  a  small  body  situated  in  the  left  side. 
Its  use  is  unknown. 

URINARY    ORGANS. 

The  kidney*,  whose  office  it  is  to  secrete  urine,  are 
located  on  either  side  of  the  lumbar  vertebrse,  below 
the  last  false-rib.  The  urine  is  conveyed  from  each 
kidney  by  a  small  tube,  called  ureter,  to  the  bladder. 
The  bladder  is  the  reservoir  for  the  urine,  and  is  located 
behind  the  pubis.  and  above  and  before  the  lower  part 
of  the  rectum.  The  passage  by  which  the  urine  passes 
from  the  bladder,  is  called  urethra. 

We  are  now  very  briefly  to  consider  that  part  of  the 
system  by  which  oxygen  is  introduced  into  the  body 
and  the  elements  of  life  conveyed "  to  every  part  of  it. 

KKSPIRATION    AND    CIRCULATION. 

The  wind-pipe  commences  at  the  root  of  the  tongue, 
and  descends  in  front  of  the  oesophagus  to  the  lungs. 


RESPIRATION    AND    CIRCUIJVTION.  483 

Its  upper  orifice  is  covered  by  a  valve,  called  the  epi- 
glottis, to  prevent  the  introduction  of  food,  which  passes 
directly  over  it.     Laughter  during  eating,  renders  food 
liable,  by  the  opening  of  this  valve,  to  pass  into  the 
wind-pipe,  thus  producing  violent  cough  or  suffocation. 
The  wind-pipe  is  composed  of  cartilaginous  rings,  united 
by  membranes,  and  is  divided  into  three  parts.     The 
upper  portion  is  called  larynx,  the  middle  portion  the 
trachea.     The   lower    part    or  the  bronchia  bifurcates 
from  the  trachea  about  the  third  or  fourth  dorsal  ver- 
tebra, and  passes,  one  to  each  lung,  where  it  terminates 
in  an  innumerable  number  of  air-cells,  which  exist  in 
every  part  of  the  lungs.     These  air-cells  are  separated 
only  by  a  thin  membrane   from   an  equal  number  of 
cells  filled  with  blood  communicating  with  the  heart. 
The  lungs  then  are  of  a  spongy  texture,  made  up  of 
cellular  tissue,  and  these  innumerable  air  and  blood- 
cells.    Respiration   consists   in  filling  these  cells  with 
air.     The  lungs  are  thus  distended,  and  the  dark  venous 
blood  passing  in  from  the  heart  on  the  opposite  side, 
give  off  through  the   thin  intervening  membrane  its 
carbonic-acid  and  takes  in  return  the  oxygen  from  the 
air.     The  air   then  by  the  contraction   of  the    proper 
muscles  is  forced  out  and  the  lungs  contract  in  size. 
Thus  the  chest  rises  and  falls  with  the  respiration  and 
expiration   of   air.     There  are  two  lungs,  one  on  each 
side  of  the  chest,  embracing  the  heart,  and  separated 
from  each  other  by  a  membranous  partition.     They  are 
suspended  in  the  chest  by  roots  composed  of  the  pul- 
monary   arteries   and    veins,    the  bronchial   tubes,  &c. 
They  are  covered  by  a  serous  membrane,  which  is  re- 
flected over  the  wall  of  the  chest,  forming  a  shut  sack. 
This  membrane  is  called  the  pleura,  and  when  inflamed 
occasions  that  most  agonizing  disease   pleurisy.     The 
lungs  rising  and  falling  at  each  respiration,  the  inflamed 


484  ANATOMY. 

surfaces  rub  against  each  other,  occasioning  the  most 
acute  pain. 

CIRCULATION.     The  heart  is  the  great  centre  of  circula- 
tion, the  main-spring  in  the  beautiful  mechanism  of  the 
system,  its  pulsations  only  ceasing  with  death.     It  is 
situated  in  the  chest  between  the  right  and  left  lung, 
has  two  sides,  each  of  which  has  two  chambers  or  cavi- 
ties.   The  upper  is  called  the  auricle,   the  lower  the 
ventricle.    These  chambers,  the  auricle  and  ventricle, 
are  separated  by  valves.    The  right  side  of  the  heart  is 
appropriated  to  the  venous  blood,  the  left  to  the  arterial 
blood.   As  the  venous  blood  passes  into  the  right  auricle, 
the  auricle  contracts  and  forces  it  through  the  valve 
into  the  right  ventricle.     The  contraction  of  the  ven- 
tricle closes  the  valve,  thus  preventing  the  return  of 
blood,  and  forcing  it  into  the  pulmonary  artery,  through 
which  it  is  conveyed  to  the  lungs.     Here,  in  the  in- 
numerable cells  prepared  for  its  reception,  it  throws  off) 
through  the  thin  membrane  separating  it  from  the  air 
cells,  its  carbonic  acid,   and  receives  in  return  oxygen 
from  the  air ;  changed  now  from  dark  and  impure  ve- 
nous blood,  to  bright  and  life-giving  arterial  blood,  it 
passes  on  through  the  pulmonary  veins  to  the  left  auricle 
of  the  heart.   This  chamber,  contracting,  forces  the  blood 
into  the  lower  chamber  or  left  ventricle,  from  whence  it 
is  prevented   from  returning  by  a  similar  valvular  ar- 
rangement to  that  found  in  the  right  heart.   The  contrac- 
tion of  the  ventricle  forces  the  blood  into  the  great  aorta. 
This  great  artery  of  the  body  gives  oif  trunks  to  the  head, 
the  upper  and  lower  extremities  and  the  organs  in  the 
abdominal  cavity.     These  branches,  dividing  and  sub- 
dividing into  innumerable  branches,  growing  smaller 
and  smaller,  convey  the  arterial  blood  to  every  part  of 
the  system,  and  at  length  terminate  in  a  curious  net- work 
of  vessels,  called  the   capillary  vessels.     The   arterial 
system  has  fulfilled  its  duty,  conveyed  the  elements  of 


THE    SKIN.  485 

life  and  nutrition  to  every  part  of  the  system,  and  the 
blood  is  now  ready  to  be  conveyed  back  to  the  heart,  no 
longer  bright  and  life-giving,  but  dark  and  impure. 
The  veins  then,  commencing  in  this  capillary  net-work 
of  vessels,  at  first  innumerable  in  number,  collect  the 
blood,  and  flowing  into  each  other,  form  at  length  two 
large  trunks  the  ascending  and  descending  vena  cava, 
by  which  it  is  returned  to  the  right  auricle  of  the  heart, 
and  from  thence  in  the  manner  already  explained,  passes 
on  to  the  lungs.  There  throwing  off  its  carbonic  acid, 
and  receiving  in  return  oxygen  from  the  air,  it  flows  on  to 
the  right  heart,  when  it  is  again  ready  to  be  distributed 
throughout  the  system.  Thus  we  have  the  heart  the 
great  central  point  of  the  system,  the  arterial  blood 
flowing  outward,  freighted  with  life,  to  every  part  of  the 
body  and  the  venous  blood,  charged  with  impurities, 
flowing  inward  to  the  heart. 

Each  cavity  of  the  heart  holds  two  ounces,  and  as  it 
contracts  about  seventy  times  in  a  minute,  more  than 
two  hogsheads  traverse  it  every  hour.  And  yet  per- 
forming this  mighty  labor,  it  beats  on  year  after  year, 
never  tiring,  until  paralyzed  by  the  hand  of  death. 

For  a  more  minute  explanation  of  the  structure  of  the 
heart  and  the  circulation,  see  " Diseases  of  the  Heart? 
also  chapter  on  Physiology. 

THE  SKIN.  The  skin  is  composed  of  two  layers  of 
membrane,  the  cuticle,  and  true  skin.  The  cuticle 
has  neither  blood-vessels  nor  nerves,  and  serves  as  a  pro- 
tection to  the  true  skin.  In  the  inner  layers  of  the 
cuticle  there  is  a  peculiar  coloring  matter,  Hack  in  the 
negro,  copper-colored  in  the  indian,  and  in  the  white, 
so  transparent  as  to  be  scarcely  perceptible.  The  true 
skin  contains,  besides  arteries,  veins,  and  absorbents, 
oil  glands,  perspiratory  glands,  and  nerves.  The  nerves 
ramify  c*  the  surface,  and  render  the  skin  sensitive  to 
the  touch.  The  absorbents  are  small  vessels  opening 


486  ANATOMY. 

on  the  inner  layers  of  the  cuticle,  and  through  these, 
poisons  being  rubbed  on  the  skin  are  conveyed  into  the 
system. 

From  the  perspiratory  glands,  which  separate  from 
the  blood  the  perspiration,  spiral  ducts  pass  obliquely 
to  the  skin.  In  health,  these  glands  are  constantly  in 
action,  pouring  out  through  the  ducts  an  enormous 
amount  of  matter  in  the  form  of  sensible  and  insensible 
perspiration.  For  a  more  full  description  of  the  func- 
tions of  the  skin,  see  chapter  on  Physiology. 

THE  TEETH.  The  teeth  are  divided  into  two  parts. 
The  crown  rising  above  the  gum  is  covered  with  a  fine 
enamel,  to  protect  it  from  decay  and  wear,  and  to  render 
it  more  fit  to  perform  its  important  functions.  The 
root  is  of  a  bony  substance,  and  is  firmly  inserted  in  the 
jaw.  Communicating  to  each  tooth  through  the  root,  is 
a  small  nerve.  When  this  is  diseased  or  exposed  by 
the  decay  of  the  tooth,  that  exquisite  sensation  is  pro- 
duced known  as  tooth-ache. 

The  first  set,  twenty  in  number,  appearing  in  infancy, 
are  only  temporary,  and  are  called  milk-teeth.  The 
second,  or  permanent  set,  appearing  between  the  ages 
of  six  and  fourteen  are  thirty-two  in  number,  sixteen  in 
each  jaw. 

The  four  front- teeth  in  each  jaw  are  called  incisors, 
the  next  on  each  side  the  cuspid  or  eye-tooth,  the  next 
two,  hi-cuspids,  the  next  two  molars,  and  the  last  two 
on  each  side  of  the  jaw,  wisdom  teeth,  from  their  not 
appearing  until  about  twenty,  and  then  being  of  short 
duration.  The  molars  on  the  upper  jaw  have  three 
roots,  those  on  the  lower  two,  while  the  incisors,  cuspids 
and  bi-cuspids  have  each  but  one  root. 

See  also  chapter  on  Diseases  of  Children. 

VISION.  The  eye  is  the  most  perfect  and  beautiful 
optical  instrument  in  the  world.  It  consists  of  a  globe, 
held  in  its  position  by  means  of  six  muscles  attached 


TEETH    AND    EYES.  487 


externally  to  the  sclerotic  coat  near  the  cornea,  and  in- 
ternally to  the  bones  of  the  orbit  behind  the  eye. 

T/te  sclerotic  coat,  seen  in  the  white  of  the  eye,  is 
dense  and  fibrous.  It  is  the  strong  membrane  which 
invests  it,  except  the  transparent  part  in  front.  This  is 
called  the  cornea.  It  is  united  with  the  sclerotica  in 
the  same  way  that  the  crystal,  which  it  resembles  in 
form,  is  set  in  a  watch. 

Within  the  sclerotica  there  is  a  vascular  membrane 
called  the  choroid  coat.  It  secretes  on  its  internal  sur- 
face the  pigmentum  nigrum,  or  black  pigment,  giving 
the  dark  color  to  the  pupil  of  the  eye,  and  is  of  vast  im- 
portance in  vision.  It  terminates  near  the  cornea,  in  a 
white  circle,  called  the  ciliary  circle.  The  internal 
layer  of  the  edge  is  thrown  into  folds,  the  central  border 
of  which  rests  on  the  crystalline  lens.  These  folds  are 
called  ciliary  processes. 

Starting  from  the  ciliary  circle,  is  a  beautifully  con- 
trived curtain,  with  an  opening  in  its  centre,  dividing 
the  anterior  portion  of  the  eye  into  two  chambers,  the 
communication  between  which  being  at  this  opening. 
This  curtain  is  capable  of  contraction  and  dilation,  thus 
enlarging  the  central  opening,  and  is  called  the  iris. 
The  central  opening  is  called  the  pupil.  The  two 
chambers  are  filled  with  an  aqueous  humor.  Behind 
the  pupil  is  placed  a  lens,  clear  as  crystal,  and  called 
the  crystalline  lens. 

Another  and  last  coat  within  the  choroid  is  called 
the  retina.  The  optic  nerve  passes  from  the  brain 
through  the  outer  coats  and  expands  on  this.  This  is 
the  seat  of  vision,  and  here  every  object  we  witness  is 
pictured  or  daguerreotyped,  and  the  impression  thus 
transmitted  to  the  brain.  Within  the  coats  already 
mentioned  and  back  of  the  crystalline  lens,  is  a  chamber 
forming  the  larger  portion  of  the  ball  of  the  eye,  filled 
with  a  humor  resembling  the  aqueous,  but  more  dense, 


483  ANATOMY. 

called  the  vitreous  humor.  Over  the  eye  are  the  eye- 
lids, lined  on  the  inside  by  a  delicate  membrane,  which 
is  also  reflected  over  the  ball  of  the  eye,  called  the 
conjvnctii'a.  It  is  liable  to  become  inflamed  when  it 
appears  blood-shot.  It  secretes  a  fluid  which  lubricates 
the  eye. 

At  the  upper  and  outer  angle  of  the  orbit  is  the 
lachrymal  (/land.  It  secretes  the  tears  which  are  poured 
on  the  ball  of  the  eye,  keeping  it  constantly  moist. 
They  pass  off  through  small  openings  at  the  internal 
angle  of  the  eye  into  the  nose. 

We  have,  then,  the  cornea  collecting  and  bending  in- 
ward the  rays  of  light ;  the  aqueous  humor  transmitting 
the  rays  and  giving  free  motion  to  the  iris  ;  the  iris  con- 
tracting and  dilating,  admitting  only  the  necessary 
rays ;  the  crystalline  lens,  the  focus  concentrating  the 
rays  which  then,  crossing  each  other,  are  transmitted 
through  the  vitreous  humor  to  the  retina,  which  serves 
as  a  daguerreotype-plate,  upon  which  the  image  is  pic- 
tured, and  the  impression  through  the  expanded  optic 
nerve  transmitted  to  the  brain.  What  instrument  in 
the  world  could  be  more  beautiful  or  perfect  in  its 
construction  ? 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PLATES. 

PLATE    I. 

FIR.  1.  A  VERTICAL  SECTION  OF  THE  EYE.  The  optic  nerve, 
1.— The  central  artery  of  the  retina,  2. — Envelope  or 
sheath  of  the  optic  nerve,  3. — The  sclerotic  or  white  coat 
of  the  eye,  4. — Transparent  cornea,  5. — Union  of  the 
srl.-rotic  with  the  cornea,  6. — Choroid  coat,  7. — Ciliary 
li^unent,  8. — Iris,  10.— Pupil,  11. — Pvetina,  12.— Vitreous 
humor,  13.  —Crystalline  lens,  18. — The  anterior  chamber 
of  the  eye  filled  with  aqueous  humor,  19. — The  posterior 
chamber  also  filled  with  aqueous  humor,  20. 


1'I.IK'    I 


LrtK  »FSchrrj,l'»rftr.f;i'-ljicr  Ifji  bi'V^vVork 


I , .  I 


DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    PLATES.  489 


FIG.  2.  1.  The  sclerotic  coat  at  the  insertion  'of  the 
optic  nerve. — 2.  The  sclerotic  coat  has  been  dissected 
leaving  to  view  the  choroid  coat  and  the  nerves  which 
traverse  it,  and  3.  represents  their  termination  in  the 
ciliary  ligament. — 4.  The  iris. 

FIG.  3.     1.  Cilliary  ligament.    2.  Iris.    3.  Pupil. 

FIG.  4. — THE  BALL  OF  THE  EYE.  1.  Optic  nerve.  2.  Ten- 
dinous attachment  of  the  muscles. 

FIG.  5.  1.  Ciliary  processes.  2.  Posterior  face  of  the 
Iris.  3.  Pupil. 

FlG.  6. — A   GENERAL  VlEW   OF   THE  NERVES    OF    THE  FACE, 

TEETH,  AND  TONGUE.  6.  8.  Represent  branches  of  the  den- 
tal nerves,  and  the  passage  of  the  filaments  into  the 
teeth.  10.  Division  of  the  superior  maxillary  branch 
into  nerves  communicating  with  the  orbit  of  the  eye. 
11.  Branch  of  the  inferior  maxillary  branch  of  the  fifth 
pair.  14.  The  lingual  nerve  or  nerve  of  the  tongue 
anastimosing  also  with  other  nerves.  16.  Pneumo-gastric 
nerve.  18.  Internal  carotid  artery.  17.  Hypoglossal 
nerve.  Branches  of  other  nerves  represented  in  the  cut, 
it  will  be  unnecessary  to  point  out  here. 

PLATE  2. 

FIG.  1.  Is  a  back  view  of  the  human  skeleton,  a.  Re- 
presents the  collar  bone  or  clavicle.  F.  The  shoulder- 
blade  or  scapula.  5.  b.  The  shoulder-joint.  G.  The 
large  bone  of  the  arm  or  humerus.  J.  II.  The  small 
bones  of  the  arm  or  the  ulna  and  radius.  g.M.M.  The 
pelvis.  D.  The  ribs.  N.N.  The  femur  or  large  bone 
of  the  leg.  Q.P.  The  small  bones  of  the  leg  or  the  tibia 
and  fibula. 

FIG.  2.  Represents  the  bones  of  the  head.  4.  Frontal 
bone  of  forehead.  3.  Parietal,  or  side  bones  of  the 
head.  5.  Temporal  bone.  6.  Malar  or  cheek  bone.  7. 
Bones  forming  the  bridge  of  the  nose.  8.  Upper  jaw- 
bone. 9.  Lower  jaw-bone. 
21* 


490  DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    PLATES. 

YIG.  o. — THE  SPINAL  COLUMN.  1.2.3.4.  Spinous  processes. 
5.  Cervical  vertebrae.  6.  Dorsal  vertebras.  7.  Lumbar 
vertebra.  8.  The  two  fake  vertebras  or  the  sacrum 
and  coccyx. 

FIG.  4. — THE  CHEST.  The  ribs  forming  the  chest  are 
here  represented,  and  at  fig.  2  their  union  by  cartilages 
with  the  sternum  in  front. 

Fu;.  6. — -THE  BONES  OF  THE  PELVIS.  5.  The  sacrum  at 
its  union  with  the  lumbar  vertebrae.  3.  The  coccyx. 
7.  8.  The  innominata  or  hip-bones.  4.  The  ascetabulum 
or  the  cavity  into  which  is  inserted  the  head  of  the 
femur  forming  a  ball  and  socket  joint.  9.  10.  The  seat- 
bones.  6.  The  pubis. 

FIG.  7. — A  VIEW  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  HAND.  1.  Carpal 
or  wrist-bones.  2.  Metacarpal-bones.  3. 4. 5.  Phalanges 
of  the  fingers. 

FIG.  9. — A  VIEW  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  FOOT.  1.  Tarsal 
or  ankle-bones.  2.  Metatarsal.  3.  4.  5.  Phalanges  of 
the  foot. 

PLATE   3. 

FIG.  1.     A  FRONT  VIEW  OF  THE  MUSCLES  OF  THE  BODY. 

A.  a  broad  muscle  helping  to  depress  the  angle  of  the 
mouth  and  also  when  the  mouth  is  shut  draws  up  the 
skin  with  which  it  is  connected  below  the  lower  jaw. 
B.  Deltoid  muscle,  used  to  raise  the  arm  and  assist  it  in 
all  its  motions  except  depressing  it.  C.  Muscje.  used  to 
bend  the  forearm.  I.  Moves  the  arm  forward  and  up- 
ward toward  the  sternum.  R.  Assists  in  expiration  and 
occasionally  in  discharging  the  contents  of  the  stomach 
and  belly.  0.  Crosses  the  legs  in  the  manner  tailors  are 
used  to  sit.  P.  Draws  the  legs  and  thigh  outward.  Q. 
Hi  1  ps  to  bend  the  leg  and  assists  in  bringing  it  and  the 
thigh  inward.  T.  Pulls  the  thigh  inward.  V.W.X.  Help 
to  extend  the  leg.  Y.  Extends  the  foot. 

FIG.  2.     Represents  the    extensors  of  the  hand  and 


DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    PLATES.  491 

forearm.  The  tendinous  extremities  are  seen  passing 
under  the  ligament  at  the  root  of  the  thumb  and  firmly 
bound  by  ligaments  to  the  fingers.  They  serve  to  ex- 
tend the  hand  and  forearm.  The  flexors  placed  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  hand  not  seen  in  the  cut  serve  to 
flex  the  hand  and  arm,  and  other  muscles  in  connection 
with  these  and  the  extensors  serve  to  rotate  the  hand 
and  arm. 

FIG.  3.  Represents  in  addition  to  the  muscles  on  the 
front  of  the  hand  and  arm  the  nerves  and  arteries.  1. 
Brachial  artery.  2.  Radial  artery.  3.  Cubital  artery. 
4.  5.  6.  7. 8.  9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.  The  nerves  of  the  arms 
and  Jiand  and  their  various  divisions  arid  branches. 

FIG.  4.  Represents  the  muscles  of  the  anterior  portion 
of  the  leg  and  foot  together  with  the  arteries  and  nerves. 
The  muscles  of  the  leg  may  be  seen  passing  under  the 
broad  ligament  at  the  ankle,  and  attached  by  their  ten- 
dinous extremity  to  the  foot.  These  serve  to  flex  the 
foot,  and  also  to  extend  and  rotate  the  leg.  1.  Tibial 
artery.  2.  The  great  sciatic  nerve  which  may  be  seen 
dividing  into  various  branches  along  the  leg  and  foot. 

PLATE  4. 

1.  The  stomach.  4.  Cardiac  orifice.  5.  Pyloric  orifice. 
6.  Duodenum.  7.  Pancreas.  11.  Large  lobe  of  the  liver. 
15.  Gall  bladder.  16.  Duct  leading  from  the  gall-bladder 
to  the  duodenum.  17.  Trunk  of  the  portal  vein.  18. 
Hepatic  artery. 

1.  Circumvolutions  of  the  small  intestines.  2.  Ccecum 
receiving  the  insertion  of  the  small  intestines,  and  pre- 
senting at  a  the  appendix  vermicularis.  The  colon  or 
large  intestine  is  seen  passing  around  the  smaller  ones. 
3.  Ascending  colon.  4.  Transverse  colon.  5.  Descend- 
ing colon.  7.  Commencement  of  the  rectum. 


492  DESCRIPTION    OF    THK    PLATES. 

PLATE    5. 

FIG.  1.  Represents  the  heart,  the  great  aorta  passing 
off  from  it,  and  its  division  into  arteries  which  supply 
the  head  and  upper  extremities  with  blood,  .also  some 
of  the  muscles  of  the  head  and  face.  1.  The  heart  2. 
3.  Arteries  of  the  heart.  4.  Pulmonary  artery.  5.  The 
great  aorta.  6.  The  brachial  cephalic  trunk.  7.  The 
carotid  artery  branching  off  from  the  brachial  cephalic 
on  the  left  side.  9.  Division  of  the  brachial  cephalic 
into  the  subclavian  and  carotid.  10.  Division  of  the 
primitive  carotid  into  the  internal  and  external  carotid. 
11.  Thyroid  artery.  12.  Lingual  artery.  13.  Facial  ar- 
tery. 16.  17.  Arteries  of  the  lips.  26.  Vertebral  artery. 
In  the  face  may  be  seen  the  muscles  by  which  the 
various  movements  of  the  face  may  be  performed,  giving 
to  it  its  varied  expressions  of  life  and  animation,  of  joy 
and  sorrow. 

FIG.  2.  The  lungs,  heart  with  its  arteries  and  veins, 
and  the  windpipe  passing  to  the  lungs.  1.  Larynx.  2. 
Trachea.  3.  4.  Lungs.  5.  Heart 

FIG.  3.  The  windpipe  is  seen  with  its  divisions  into 
larynx,  trachea  and  bronchia.  3.  10.  11.  Bifurcation  of 
the  bronchia,  each  branch  giving  off  other  branches, 
which  divide  into  almost  innumerable  air-cells. 


PHiSIOLOGY.  493 


CHAPTER   II. 
PHYSIOLO  OY. 

The  bodies  of  all  the  higher  animals  are  composed  of 
a  great  variety  of  parts,  different  in  their  structure  and 
action,  and  yet  so  beautifully  adapted  to  each  other  as 
to  act  in  perfect  harmony. 

In  the  lowest  forms  of  vegetable  life  we  find  a  single 
cell  making  up  the  whole  fabric.  This  cell,  grows  from 
its  germ,  absorbs  and  assimilates  nutriment,  converts  a 
part  of  it  into  its  own  cell- wall,  secretes  another  portion 
into  its  cavity,  and  from  a  third,  produces  the  repro- 
ductive germs  that  are  to  continue  its  race.  Having 
completed  the  germs,  it  bursts  and  sets  them  free.  Each 
one  of  these  germs  is  capable  of  going  through  the  same 
set  of  operations. 

In  the  higher  forms  of  vegetable  life  we  find  a  multi- 
plication of  similar  cells,  among  which  these  operations 
are  distributed,  thus  producing  by  the  labor  of  all  a 
more  complete  and  permanent  effect. 

At  the  extremities  of  the  roots  of  plants  we  find  suc- 
culent bodies  made  up  of  soft  cells,  known  by  the  name 
of  spongioles.  These  perform  the  absorption  of  nutri- 
tious fluid,  which  is  conveyed  by  the  vessels  of  the  stem 
and  branches  to  the  leaves,  and  there  in  the  cells,  which 
make  up  the  parenchyma  of  those  organs,  undergoes  a 
change.  The  watery  ascending  sap  is  converted  into 
thick  glutinous  latex,  which  like  the  blood  of  animals 
contains  the  material  for  the  production  of  new  tissue 
and  the  elements  of  the  various  secretions.  This  pro- 
cess of  conversion  comprises  not  only  the  exhalation  of 
superfluous  liquid,  the  action  of  light,  and  the  inter- 
change of  gaseous  ingredients  between  the  sap  and  air, 
but  a  new  molecular  arrangement  of  the  particles  of 


494  PHYSIOLOGY 


sap,  by  which  new  products  are  generated.  This  process, 
which  is  such  an  immense  step  towards  the  production 
of  living  tissue  from  the  crude  material,  is  called  assi- 
m  Hat  i'  -n. 

As  the  latex  descends  in  its  proper  vessels  through 
the  stem,  it  yields  up  to  the  growing  parts  the  nutrition 
they  severally  require.  Beside  the  ordinary  tissue,  of 
which  most  of  the  fabric  is  composed,  in  the  growth  of 
which  the  process  of  nutrition  is  considered  as  consist- 
ing, there  are  groups  of  cells,  which  separate  peculiar 
products  from  the  sap  such  as  oil,  starch,  resin,  &c., 
which  are  stored  up  against  the  time  they  are  demand- 
ed. These  are  said  to  perform  the  act  of  secretion.  All 
the  cells  by  which  the  permanent  fabric  is  provided  for, 
have  as  individuals  but  a  very  transitory  life.  The  ab- 
sorbents are  continually  renewed,  some  dying,  and  others 
forming  the  solid  texture  of  the  root.  In  the  short  du- 
ration of  the  assimilating  cells,  we  have  a  convincing 
proof  in  the  fall  of  the  leaf  and  the  opening  buds.  The 
secreting  cells  undergo  a  like  transitory  duration. 

The  starting  point  both  in  the  animal  and  the  plant 
is  the  same.  The  embryo  of  the  animal  up  to  a  certain 
grade  of  its  development,  consists,  like  that  of  the  plant, 
of  nothing  else  than  an  aggregation  of  cells.  Among 
the  higher  class  of  animals,  however,  a  large  proportion 
of  the  fabric  consists  of  tissues  in  which  no  distinct 
trace  of  cellular  origin  is  apparent,  and  yet  when  we 
subject  them  to  a  close  analysis,  and  examine  them  not 
only  in  their  complete  state  but  in  their  development, 
we  find  they  are  reduced  to  the  same  category  with  the 
tissues  of  the  plants  and  lower  animals.  There  are  tis- 
sues peculiar  to  animals,  and  these  we  find  referable 
to  the  plastic  fluid  prepared  by  the  assimilating  cells, 
and  set  free  by  their  rupture.  In  plants,  the  tissues 
principally  concerned  in  the  vifaf  operations  retain  their 
cellular  form.  We  also  see  distinct  groups  of  cells  in 


PHYSIOLOGY.  495 


the  bodies  of  animals,  which  have  not  only  the  functions 
of  absorption,,  assimilation,  respiration,  secretion,  and  re- 
production, which  we  also  find  in  plants,  but  those  of 
muscular  contraction  and  nervous  action,  which  they 
alone  perform. 

The  cell  originates  from  a  reproductive  granule,  pre- 
viously formed  by  some  other  cell ;  this  granule  attracts 
to  itself,  assimilates  and  organises  the  particles  of  the 
nutrient  fluid  in  its  neighborhood,  and  converts  some 
of  them  into  the  substance  of  the  cell-wall,  and  draws 
others  into  the  cavity  of  the  cell.  In  this  way  the  cell 
gradually  increases  in  size,  and  while  it  approaches  its 
term  of  life,  makes  preparation  for  its  renewal,  by  the 
development  of  reproductive  granules  in  its  interior, 
which  may  become  the  germs  of  new  cells,  when  set  free 
from  the  cavity  of  the  parent  by  the  rupture  of  the  cell- 
wall.  In  the  chyle,  lymph,  and  Uood,  we  find  floating 
cells,  called  the  chyle  and  lymph-corpuscles  and  colorless 
corpuscles  of  the  blood,  having  no  single  nucleus,  but 
several  scattered  particles,  each  of  which  is  a  reproduc- 
tive granule.  These,  when  set  free  by  the  bursting  or 
liquefaction  of  the  walls,  float  in  the  current  of  fluid, 
and  are  in  their  turn  developed  into  cells.  In  general 
however,  the  cells  of  animal  tissue  are  furnished  with  a 
nucleus.  The  nucleus  seems  to  be  the  chief  instrument 
in  the  function  of  the  cell.  In  some  cells  this  function 
is  restricted  to  the  attraction  of  certain  constituents,  by 
which  its  cavity  is  filled.  These  constituents  may  be  of 
a  fluid  nature  readily  passing  into  decomposition,  such 
as  the  glandular  structure,  or  they  may  give  solidity  to 
the  texture.  Thus  the  cells  of  the  epidermis  are  strength- 
ened by  a  deposit  of  a  horny  nature,  those  of  shell  by 
the  deposit  of  carbonate  of  lime,  and  those  of  the  bones 
and  teeth  by  mixture  of  earthy  and  mineral  matter. 
These  cells  do  not  generally  reproduce  themselves,  but 


496  PHYSIOLOGY. 


successive  crops  of  them  are  formed  as  fast  as  they  are 
required  from  other  sources. 

Cells  are  often  elongated,  and  their  cavities  occupied 
by  internal  deposit,  so  that  they  may  be  mistaken  for 
solid  fibres,  or  the  boundary  of  the  cells  may  be  lost  by 
their  coalescence  with  each  other.  The  character  of  the 
cell  may  be  completely  changed  by  a  solution  in  its  wall 
in  one  or  more  spots  so  that  its  cavity  is  laid  open  and 
coalesces  with  some  other.  Thus,  by  the  disappearance 
of  the  partition  between  the  cells  may  be  formed  a  tube, 
and  this  may  coalesce  with  others  to  form  a  capillary 
net- work  for  the  circulation  of  blood. 

In  the  blood  we  find  two  varieties  of  cells  or  cor- 
puscles. The  red  blood  corpuscle  owes  its  color  to  a  se- 
cretion within  its  walls  of  a  peculiar  chemical  nature. 
Notwithstanding,  judging  from  analogy  we  should  sup- 
pose that  the  red  corpuscles  in  man  and  the  other  mam- 
malia would  contain  a  nucleus,  as  they  do  in  all  other 
animals,  yet  they  have  never  been  discovered  by  the 
most  careful  microscopic  examination.  Their  principal 
office  seems  to  be  the  introduction  of  oxygen  into  the 
blood  that  circulates  through  the  systemic  capillaries,  and 
the  removal  of  the  carbonic  acid  set  free  there,  serving 
as  a  medium  for  bringing  the  tissues  in  relation  with 
air,  which  is  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  their  vital 
activity.  The  colorless  corpuscles  seem  to  have  a  dif- 
ferent oifice  to  perform.  While  the  red  corpuscles  are 
only  found  in  the  vertebrated  classes  and  the  higher 
invertebrata,  the  colorless  are  found  throughout  the 
whole  animal  scale.  Hence  we  might  suppose  that  the 
colorless  corpuscles  are  closely  connected  with  nutrition, 
while  the  functions  of  the  red  corpuscles  must  be  of  a 
more  limited  character.  In  animals,  in  a  state  of 
starvation,  we  find  very  few  colorless  corpuscles,  while 
in  those  that  are  well  fed,  they  exist  in  great  abun- 
dance. In  inflammation,  colorless  corpuscles  rapidly 


PHYSIOLOGY.  497 


increase  in  the  inflamed  part.  There  is  then  scarcely  a 
reasonable  doubt,  that  elaboration  of  fibrin  is  a  conse- 
quence of  this  form  of  cell-life,  and  is  one  of  its  express 
objects. 

A  class  of  cells  next  in  independence  to  the  cells  in  the 
animal  fluid  we  find  on  the  membranous  surface  of  the 
body,  forming  the  epidermis  and  epithelium.  The  epi- 
dermis is  a  thin  semi-transparent  pellicle,  covering  the 
entire  body  in  close  connection  with  the  true  skin.  It 
consists  of  a  series  of  flattened  scale-like  cells,  the  outer 
layers  of  which  are  constantly  thrown  off  by  desquama- 
tion,  new  ones  having  formed  below.  The  epidermis  is 
not  traversed  by  nerves  and  blood-vessels,  but  is  pierced 
by  the  excretory  ducts  of  the  sebaceous,  sweat-glands 
and  the  hairs.  These  perspiratory  tubes  passing  from 
the  sweat-glands,  which  are  only  a  short  distance  beneath 
the  skin,  and  pouring  out  an  enormous  quantity  of  per- 
spiration are  almost  innumerable.  Each  of  the  perspi- 
ratory pores  is  the  aperture  of  one  of  these  tubes,  about 
a  quarter  of  an  inch  long.  Wilson  calculates  the  ave- 
rage number  of  these  pores  to  the  square  inch  to  be 
2800,  making  in  an  ordinary  sized  man  7,000,000.  The 
number  of  inches  of  perspiratory  tube  then  would  be 
1,750,000  or  nearly  twenty-eight  miles.  What  an  argu- 
ment for  cleanliness !  The  office  of  the  epidermis  is,  to 
protect  the  true  skin  from  pain  occasioned  by  slight 
abrasion,  and  the  irritating  effect  of  air  and  the  changes 
of  temperature. 

Other  cells  mingle  with  the  epidermic  and  secrete 
coloring  matter  instead  of  horn,  these  are  termed  pig- 
ment-cdls.  They  are  not  readily  distinguished  in  the 
epidermis  of  the  fair  races  of  mankind,  but  in  the  color- 
ed races  they  are  very  marked. 

The  layer  of  cells  covering  the  internal  free  surface  of 
the  body  is  called  the  ephithelium.  The  principal  forms 
in  which  we  see  them  are  the  tesselated  and  cylindrical. 


498  PHYSIOLOGY. 


The  tesselated  epithelium  covers  the  serous  and  sy- 
novial  membranes,  the  lining  membrane  of  the  blood- 
vessels, and  the  tubuli  of  most  glandular  structures  con- 
nected with  the  skin  or  mucous  membrane.  The  cylin- 
drical covers  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  alimentary 
canal,  and  is  also  found  in  the  larger  ducts  of  glands 
which  open  into  it.  Both  forms  of  epithelial  cells  are 
frequently  fringed  at  their  free  margin  with  delicate 
filaments  called  cilia.  These,  although  of  extreme  mi- 
nuteness, are  organs  of  vast  importance  in  the  animal 
economy.  Their  functions  are  to  propel  the  secretions, 
which  would  otherwise  accumulate  on  the  membranes, 
towards  the  exterior  orifices,  whence  they  may  be  carried 
of£  The  secretions,  both  in  the  serous  and  mucous 
membrane  are  carried  on  through  the  epithelial  cells, 
and  the  difference  between  the  two  membranes  consists 
principally  in  the  different  arrangement  of  these  cells. 

Let  us  now  glance  at  the  process  of  nutrition  as  it  is 
carried  on  in  the  human  system,  and  the  various  phe- 
nomena it  produces. 

Every  hour  of  our  lives  a  change  is  going  on  in  our 
system.  Every  motion  of  the  hand,  every  movement  of 
the  body,  is  occasioned  by  a  transformation  of  the  struc- 
ture or  its  substance  ;  every  mental  affection  is  followed 
by  changes  in  the  secreting  fluid  ;  every  thought  and 
every  sensation  is  accompanied  by  a  change  in  the  com- 
position of  the  substance  of  the  brain.  We  can  neither 
move,  nor  think  without  a  corresponding  change  in  some 
portion  of  the  system.  The  matter  which  composes  the 
body  to-day  is  constantly  passing  off  in  the  form  of  per- 
spiration, urine,  or  the  carbonic  acid  of  the  lungs,  its 
place  being  supplied  by  new  material  taken  into  the 
system  in  the  air  we  breathe  and  the  food  we  eat.  In 
this  constant,  never-ceasing  change  not  only  is  nutrition 
supplied,  but  force  produced.  In  the  closed  galvanic 
circuit,  certain  changes  which  a  metal  undergoes  when 


PHYSIOLOGY.  499 


brought  in  contact  with  an  acid,  produces  a  current  of 
what  we  call  electricity ;  so  in  the  human  system,  in 
consequence  of  certain  changes  undergone  by  matter 
which  previously  constituted  a  part  of  the  organism, 
phenomena  of  motion  and  activity  are  produced,  which 
we  call  life  or  vitality.  Man  from  his  birth  to  his  death, 
by  night  and  by  day,  is  constantly  taking  into  his  sys- 
tem through  the  organs  of  respiration,  a  vast  amount  of 
oxygen.  Notwithstanding  during  the  year  this  amounts 
to  nearly  eight  hundred  pounds^  yet  his  weight  is  not 
materially  increased,  but  it  is  oftentimes  considerably 
diminished.  The  question  now  arises  what  becomes  of 
this  vast  amount  of  oxygen  ? 

It  does  not  remain  in  the  system,  but  passes  off  in  the 
form  of  a  compound  of  carbon  or  of  hydrogen.  These  which 
once  formed  a  part  of  the  tissue  entering  into  combina- 
tion with  the  oxygen,  are  given  off  in  the  form  of  car- 
bonic acid  and  water.  We  find  that  blood  yields  20  per 
cent,  of  dry  residue  ;  the  remaining  80  per  cent,  is  water 
In  100  parts  of  dry  residue  we  find  carbon  51.96,  hydrogen 
7.25,  nitrogen  15.07,  oxygen  21.30,  ashes  4.42.  If  we  take 
the  statement  of  Lavoisier  and  Seguin,  man  receives 
into  his  system  daily  32|  ounces  of  oxygen,  (46.037  cubic 
inches  =  15.661  grains  French  weight,)  and  the  weight 
of  the  whole  mass  of  blood,  of  which  as  we  have  stated 
80  per  cent,  is  water,  is  24  pounds.  In  order  to  convert 
the  whole  of  its  carbon  and  hydrogen  into  carbonic-acid 
and  water,  64,103  grains  of  oxygen  are  required.  This 
quantity  will  be  taken  into  the  system  of  the  adult  in 
four  days  and  five  hours.  We  cannot  then  escape  the 
conclusion,  that  if  man  takes  into  his  system  32£  ounces 
of  oxygen  in  a  day,  he  must  also  receive  daily,  in  the 
form  of  nourishment,  as  much  carbon  and  hydrogen  as 
would  make  24  pounds  of  blood,  that  is,  'if  the  weight 
of  the  body  remain  unchanged,  and  is  in  the  same  con- 
dition as  it  regards  health.  Experiments  have  been 


500  PHYSIOLOGY. 


tried  by  which  the  actual  amount  of  carbon  consumed 
in  the  system  during  the  day  has  been  ascertained  with 
great  accuracy.  The  food  of  30  soldiers  in  barracks 
was  accurately  weighed  every  day  for  a  month,  even  to 
the  most  minute  articles,  such  as  pepper  and  salt,  and 
each  article  of  food  was  separately  subjected  to  analysis. 
The  faeces  and  urine  were  also  weighed,  and  the  amount 
of  unburnt  carbon  ascertained  and  deducted.  An  adult 
taking  moderate  exercise  consumes  13TV  ounces  of  car- 
bon daily.  This  carbon  escapes  through  the  skin  and 
lungs  in  the  form  of  carbonic-acid  gas,  and  requires  to 
convert  it  into  that  state  37  ounces  of  oxygen. 

As  no  part  of  the  oxygen  taken  into  the  system  is 
given  off  in  other  combination  than  with  carbon  and 
hydrogen,  and  as  the  carbon  and  hydrogen  must  be  re- 
placed by  the  food  taken  into  the  system,  it  is  clear  that 
the  nourishment  required  must  be  in  a  ratio  with  the 
amount  of  oxygen  taken  into  the  body.  Two  animals 
which  take  up  an  unequal  amount  of  oxygen  require  in 
the  same  ratio  an  unequal  amount  of  food.  The  child 
whose  respiration  is  very  active,  requires  food  much 
oftener  than  an  adult.  Deprive  a  bird  of  food  and  it 
dies  in  a  few  days,  while  a  serpent,  with  its  slow  respi- 
ration, will  live  without  food  two  or  three  months.  The 
quantity  of  oxygen  we  respire  is  materially  affected  by 
the  atmosphere,  its  density  and  change  of  temperature. 
In  summer  the  air  is  not  only  rarefied,  but  contains  a 
vast  amount  of  aqueous  vapor,  while  in  winter  it  is  not 
only  dry,  but  condensed  by  cold.  Thus  the  same  volume 
of  air  contains  more  oxygen  in  cold  northern  climates 
than  in  tropical  regions,  in  winter  than  in  summer.  The 
inhabitants  of  a  warm  climate  therefore  would  require 
far  less  carbon  to  support  life  than  those  who  are  com- 
pelled to  endure  the  intense  cold  of  the  frigid  and  upper 
port' on  of  the  temperate  zones.  For  the  same  amount 
of  force  far  more  oxygen  is  inspired  in  cold  than  in  warm 


PHYSIOLOGY.  501 


weather,  on  the  sea-shore  than  on  the  summit  of  high 
mountains.  Nature,  with  the  wisdom  which  governs  all 
her  movements,  has  so  ordained,  that  the  fruits  and 
vegetables  which  compose  a  large  proportion  of  the  food 
in  tropical  climates  should  contain  far  less  carbon  than 
the  food  in  colder  regions,  notwithstanding  a  larger 
amount  in  bulk  may  be  used  by  the  former  than  the 
latter.  The  fruit  on  which  the  natives  of  warm  climates 
mostly  feed,  contains  but  about  12  per  cent,  of  carbon, 
while  the  meat  and  train-oil  in  arctic  regions  contain 
from  66  to  80  per  cent. 

From  what  has  been  stated,  it  will  readily  be  per- 
ceived, that  the  true  source  of  animal  heat  is  the  action 
between  the  elements  of  food  and  the  oxygen  conveyed 
to  every  part  of  the  body  by  means  of  the  blood.  Car- 
bon cannot  combine  with  oxygen  without  heat  being 
evolved.  The  amount  of  heat  of  course  varies  with  the 
amount  of  oxygen  introduced  into  the  system.  The  tem- 
perature of  a  child  whose  respiration  is  very  rapid,  is 
higher  than  that  of  an  adult ;  the  former  being  102°, 
the  latter  99.5°.  The  heat  of  an  adult  is  the  same  in 
every  part  of  the  world,  where  the  thermometer  con- 
tinues for  weeks  at  90°  above  zero  and  where  it  ranges 
for  months  from  twenty  to  forty  below,  amid  the  ice 
which  encircles  the  poles,  and  the  rich  vegetation  which 
grows  with  amazing  rapidity  beneath  a  tropical  sun. 
This  will  not  appear  strange  when  we  look  upon  the 
animal  body  as  a  heated  mass,  giving  out  heat  where 
the  surrounding  objects  are  colder  than  itself,  and  taking 
it  in  where  they  are  warmer.  What  an  enormous  dif- 
ference there  must  be  in  the  amount  of  heat  given  out 
in  those  warm  climates  where  the  temperature  is  nearly 
the  same  as  the  body  and  in  those  intensely  cold  regions 
where  it  is  100°  lower,  and  what  a  vast  difference  there 
must  also  be  in  the  amount  of  food  required  to  keep  up 
that  combustion  which  produces  animal  heat.  Deprive 


502  PHYSIOLOGY. 


the  native  of  the  south  of  food,  and  death  would  be 
•slow  in  its  progress.  Deprive  the  inhabitant  of  a  frozen 
region  of  food,  arid  death  would  be  speedy.  The  enor- 
mous combustion  required  to  be  kept  up  to  defend  the 
system  against  the  cold  would  in  a  short  time  exhaust 
the  body  of  its  carbon  and  death  would  ensue.  There 
are  many  tribes  of  savages  who  go  nearly  naked  where 
the  climate  is  intensely  cold,  but  they  consume  a  vast 
amount  of  carbon,  in  the  form  of  meat,  train-oil  and 
tallow.  Clothes  after  all  are  only  an  equivalent  lor  a 
certain  amount  of  food.  Food  is  regulated  by  the 
number  and  strength  of  the  respirations,  the  tempera- 
ture of  the  air  and  the  amount  of  heat  given  off.  The 
amount  of  oxygen  consumed,  depends  upon  the  tempe- 
rature and  density  of  the  air,  motion,  and  the  amount 
and  quality  of  food  consumed. 

Without  detriment  to  health  no  more  carbon  and 
hydrogen  can  be  taken  into  the  system  than  is  given  off 
in  carbonic  acid  and  water,  and  yet  persons  accustomed 
to  large  quantities  of  substantial  food,  on  visiting  a 
warm  climate,  think  they  must  eat  the  same  articles  and 
as  much  of  them  as  they  did  when  the  thermometer  was 
thirty  or  forty  degrees  less.  On  finding  their  appetite 
flag  and  its  relish  for  hearty  food  subside,  they  stimulate 
it,  by  means  of  cayenne  pepper,  mustard,  brandy,  wine, 
and  a  hundred  other  stimulants.  The  consequence  is, 
an  unnatural  state  is  induced,  the  carbon  is  not  consum- 
ed, disease  ensues,  and  the  patient  stands  a  fair  chance 
of  paying  for  his  ignorance  and  folly,  with  his  life.  The 
evils  resulting  from  an  abuse  of  intoxicating  drinks  have 
been  sketched  in  such  graphic  colors  as  to  almost  curdle 
the  blood  with  horror,  and  yet  the  question  would  be  by 
no  means  a  difficult  one  to  decide — which  has  created 
more  pain,  and  caused  more  deaths,  intoxicating  drinks 
or  errors  in  diet  ? 

If  we  hold  that  the  increase  of  mass  in  the  animal 


PHYSIOLOGY.  503 


body,  the  development  of  organs,  and  the  supply  of 
waste,  is  dependent  on  the  blood,  to  ascertain  whether  a 
substance  contains  nourishment,  all  that  is  necessary  for 
us  to  do,  is  to  compare  its  ingredients  with  those  of  the 
blood. 

The  chief  ingredients  of  blood  will  be  found  to  be  fibrin, 
and  a'l>um»n.  Blood,  after  having  been  drawn  from  the 
body,  coagulates  and  separates  into  a  yellowish  liquid, 
called  the  serum,  and  a  gelatinous  mass,  adhering  to  a 
rod  on  stirring  it,  in  soft  elastic  fibres.  This  is  called 
fibrin,  and  is  identical  with  a  muscular  fibre  purified 
from  foreign  matter.  The  albumen  is  contained  in  the 
serum  and  gives  to  it  the  properties  of  the  white  of  eggs ; 
when  heated  it  coagulates  into  a  white  elastic  mass. 

Fibrin  and  albumen  are  shown  by  chemical  analysis 
to  contain  the  same  ingredients  in  the  same  proportion. 
The  particles  are  arranged  however  in  different  order, 
as  is  shown  by  the  difference  of  their  external  properties. 
They  also  contain  the  earth  of  bones.  The  serum  re- 
tains in  solution  sea  salt,  and  other  salts  of  potash  and 
soda  in  which  the  acids  are  carbonic,  phosphoric  and 
sulphuric.  The  globules  of  the  blood  contain  not  only 
fibrin  and  albumen  but  a  red  coloring  matter,  in  which 
iron  is  an  element.  Both  albumen  and  fibrin  in  the  pro- 
cess of  nutrition  are  capable  of  being  converted  into 
muscular  fibre,  and  muscular  fibre  is  capable  of  being 
converted  into  blood. 

Every  part  of  the  body  contains  nitrogen,  also  carbon 
and  the  elements  of  water,  but  the  latter  in  no  case  in 
proportion  to  form  water.  The  blood  contains  17  per 
cent,  of  nitrogen,  and  no  organ  in  the  body  less  than 
that  amount.  Experiments  show  conclusively  that  the 
body  is  utterly  incapable  of  producing  an  elementary 
body,  such  as  carbon  or  nitrogen,  out  of  substances 
which  do  not  contain  them.  No  nitrogen  is  absorbed 
'from  the  air,  and  as  it  enters  into  the  composition  of 


504  PHYSIOLOGY. 


every  part  of  the  body,  it  is  clear  that  it  must  exist  in 
all  kinds  of  food  fit  for  the  production  of  any  portion  of 
the  body. 

There  is  another  substance,  identical  in  composition 
with  albumen  and  fibrin,  and  that  is  caseine.  It  is 
identical  also  with  vegetable  caseine,  so  that  certain 
plants  are  capable  of  yielding  the  same  substance  that 
is  formed  from  the  blood  of  the  mother.  The  young 
animal  therefore  receives  caseine,  which  is  extremely 
soluble,  the  chief  constituents  of  its  mother's  blood. 

We  have  said  that  all  the  organs  in  the  body  contain 
a  certain  amount  of  nitrogen,  and  that  this  nitrogen 
must  be  taken  into  the  body  by  means  of  food.  These 
azotized  forms  of  nutriment,  may,  in  the  vegetable 
world  be  divided  into  three  parts.  When  the  juices  of 
vegetables  are  allowed  to  stand,  we  find  in  a  few  minutes 
a  gelatinous  precipitate,  which  we  readily  recognize 
as  one  of  the  azotized  substances  serving  as  nutriment 
to  animals,  viz.  vegetable  fibrin.  Heat  the  remaining 
fluid  to  a  boiling  point,  and  it  coagulates,  resembling 
the  white  of  an  egg,  or  the  serum  of  blood,  when  dilut- 
ed with  water  and  heated  to  the  boiling  point.  This  is 
wg-table  albumen,  or  the  second  nitrogenized  substance. 
From  these  three  azotized  substances,  vegetable  fibrin, 
albumen,  and  caseine,  are  the  principal  azotized  con- 
stituents of  our  food.  These  three  substances,  as  has 
already  been  stated,  contain  the  same  organic  elements, 
and  are  identical  in  composition  with  the  chief  con- 
stituents of  blood.  We  have  seen  that  nitrogen  exists 
in  every  organ  of  the  body,  and  that  those  substances 
necessary  for  nourishment  are  generally  rich  in  nitrogen, 
and  yet  there  are  substances,  such  as  sugar,  starch,  gum, 
pectine,  &c.,  containing  no  nitrogen,  a  certain  proportion 
of  which  is  absolutely  essential  to  our  existence,  and 
without  which  we  could  not  survive. 

Milk  contains  one    nitrogenized   substance,   caseine]. 


PHYSIOLOGY.  505 


besides  this,  its  chief  ingredients  are  butter,  or  fat,  and 
sugar  of  milk  which  contain  no  nitrogen.  From  the 
caseine  the  young  animal  of  course  obtains  its  blood, 
muscle,  cellular  tissue,  bone  and  nerve.  Why  is  it  then 
that  the  other  ingredients,  the  butter  and  sugar  of  milk 
are  absolutely  essential  to  life  ? 

By  means  of  these  compounds  there  is  added  to  the 
nitrogenized  constituents  of  blood  an  excess  of  carbon 
and  hydrogen,  which  are  expended  in  the  production  ot 
animal  heat.  The  food  taken  into  the  body  goes  in  the 
first  place  to  restore  the  waste  of  matter  in  the  various 
organs,  which,  in  the  exercise  of  their  functions  are  con- 
stantly undergoing  a  change,  old  particles  being  con- 
sumed and  their  places  supplied  by  new  matter  constantly 
conveyed  to  all  parts  of  the  system  by  those  never-idle 
channels,  the  arteries  and  their  ramifications.  What  then 
becomes  of  the  new  compounds  produced  by  the  trans- 
formation of  the  different  parts  of  the  body,  whose  places 
have  been  taken  by  the  new  material  ?  The  never-tiring, 
never-failing  current  of  the  blood  constantly  performs  its 
office,  and  when  not  interfered  with  performs  it  well. 
The  arterial  blood  flowing  outward,  carrying  the  prin- 
ciples of  life  and  reproduction,  as  the  transformation  in 
tissues  takes  place  crowds  before  it  the  new  compounds 
into  the  channels  prepared  for  them,  the  veins,  by  which 
in  the  form  of  venous  blood,  it  is  transmitted  in  part,  to 
the  heart,  and  from  thence  passing  into  the  lungs,  there 
subjected  to  the  action  of  the  atmosphere,  throwing  off 
its  impurities,  its  character  of  dark  venous  blood  is 
changed  on  the  reception  of  oxygen  to  arterial,  and  is 
again  distributed,  divested  of  its  impurities,  and  freight- 
ed with  life  passes  to  every  part  of  the  system.  The 
venous  blood,  before  reaching  the  heart,  is  made  to  pass 
through  the  liver,  where  there  is  taken  from  it  those 
substances  that  are  incapable  of  nutrition.  From  the 
arterial  blood,  the  kidneys  take  up  those  new  compounds 
22 


506  PHYSIOLOGY. 


containing  the  nitrogen  of  the  transformed  tissues,  which, 
being  no  longer  of  any  use,  are  expelled  in  the  form  of 
urine.  Those  on  the  contrary,  which  contain  the  carbon 
of  the  transformed  tissues,  are  taken  up  by  the  liver, 
aud  pass  into  the  gall-bladder  in  the  form  of  a  com- 
pound of  soda,  tJte  Vile.  This  is  transmitted  through 
the  gall-duct  into  the  duodenum,  and  there'  mingling 
with  the  chyme  is  taken  up  in  part  by  the  absorbents 
and  returned  into  the  system.  By  means  of  the  blood 
a  current  of  oxygen  passes  into  every  part  of  the  body. 
This  oxygen  in  passing  through  the  capillary  vessels, 
meets  with  the  compound  produced  by  the  transforma- 
tion of  tissues,  combining  with  the  carbon  to  form  car- 
bonic acid,  which  passes  off  through  the  lungs,  and  with 
the  hydrogen  to  form  water,  which  passes  off  in  the 
form  of  perspiration.  What  escapes  this  process  of 
oxydation  is  sent  back  into  the  circulation  in  the  form 
of  bile,  which  by  degrees  completely  disappears. 

In  the  vegetable  world,  the  carbon  which  we  find  de- 
posited in  seeds  and  fruits,  in  the  form  of  oil  and  fat, 
was  previously  a  constituent  of  the  atmosphere  and  was 
absorbed  by  the  plant  as  carbonic  acid.  By  the  in- 
fluence ot  light  and  the  action  of  the  vital  force  of  the 
vegetable  it  was  converted  into  fat. 

If  we  turn  to  the  animal  world,  and  examine  their 
food,  we  are  forced  to  the  conclusion,  that  the  fat  found 
in  the  body,  is  -formed  in  its  organism.  In  the  food  of 
the  cow,  we  find  no  butter,  no  suet  in  the  fodder  of  cattle, 
and  no  lard  in  the  food  of  swine.  But  we  find  on  sepa- 
rating a  certain  amount  of  oxygen,  which  they  contain, 
from  the  starch,  gum,  and  sugar,  that  enter  the  composi- 
tion of  one  class  of  food,  fat  is  produced.  On  separating 
a  certain  amount  of  oxygen  from  fibrin,  albumen,  and 
caseine,  contained  in  another  class  of  food,  we  also  ob- 
tain fat.  In  fatty  bodies  we  have  on  an  average  for  120 
equivalents  carbon,  10  of  oxygen.  In  vegetable  fibrin 


PHYSIOLOGY.  507 


albumen,  and  caseine  for  120  equivalents  of  carbon 
there  are  36  of  oxygen.  Therefore  we  have  only  to 
separate  26  equivalents  of  oxygen  from  these  ele- 
ments to  produce  fat.  In  gum,  sugar,  and  starch, 
we  find  the  amount  of  oxygen  varies  from  100  to  140 
equivalents  to  120  of  carbon,  so  that  to  form  fat  from 
these  substances  we  have  only  to  separate  from  90  to 
110  equivalents  of  oxygen.  This  oxygen  is  not  given 
out  in  a  free  state,  but  in  combination  with  other  sub- 
stances, in  the  form  of  perspiration,  urine  and  carbonic 
acid,  the  result  of  which  combination  is  of  course  animal 
heat.  The  formation  of  fat  then  is  occasioned  by  a  de- 
ficient supply  of  oxygen  taken  into  the  system  to  equalize 
the  amount  of  carbon.  For  the  body  to  acquire  no  in- 
crease in  size  it  is  necessary  that  the  same  amount  of 
carbon  shall  be  consumed  or  given  out  that  is  taken  into 
the  system.  Where  a  large  quantity  of  carbonized  food 
is  taken  into  the  body,  and  the  amount  of  oxygen  is  not 
increased  by  exercise  or  labor,  of  course  an  accumulation 
of  fat  is  the  result.  We  have  an  illustration  of  this  in  the 
Bedouin  whose  active  life  would  prevent  the  accumula- 
tion of  much  fat,  and  in  the  Turkish  and  Chinese  Ladies, 
where  obesity  is  considered  a  requisite  for  beauty,  and 
their  indolence  and  gluttony  are  favorable  to  that  con- 
dition. Whoever  heard  of  a  fat  Bedouin  ?  The  carbon 
contained  in  the  fat  thus  deposited  is  capable  of  being 
consumed,  and  entering  other  combinations  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supplying  animal  heat. 

The  substances  of  which  our  food  is  composed  then, 
may  be  divided  into  two  classes;  the  nitrogenized, 
capable  of  being  converted  into  blood,  and  thus  forming 
all  the  organized  tissues,  which  might  be  called  the 
elements  of  nutrition,  and  the  non-nitrogemztd,  which 
are  strictly  elements  of  respiration.  Let  us  now  look  at 
the  process  of  digestion,  and  the  change  necessary  for  the 
food  to  undergo  before  it  can  be  taken  up  by  the  ab- 


508  PHYSIOLOGY. 


sorbents.  All  nitrogenized  articles  of  food  are  undoubt- 
edly converted  into  albumen  before  they  can  contribute 
to  nutrition. 

The  food,  in  passing  into  the  stomach,  becomes  min- 
gled with  the  saliva,  which  possesses  to  a  certain  extent, 
the  power  like  the  gastric  juice,  of  acting  on  azotized 
compounds.  With  the  saliva  there  is  mingled  a  large 
quantity  of  atmospheric  air;  this  entering  the  stomach, 
the  oxygen  aids  digestion,  the  nitrogen  passes  off  in 
respiration,  perspiration,  &c.  The  inner  coat  of  the 
stomach,  in  its  natural  or  healthy  state  is  of  a  light  or 
pale  pink  color,  varying  in  its  hues  according  to  its  full 
or  empty  state.  It  is  of  a  soft  or  velvet-like  appearance, 
and  is  constantly  covered  with  a  thin,  transparent,  viscid 
mucus,  lining  the  whole  interior  of  the  organ.  By 
applying  irritants  to  the  stomach  and  observing  the  effect 
through  a  magnifying  glass,  innumerable  lucid  points 
and  very  fine  nervous  or  vascular  papillas  can  be  seen 
arising  from  the  villous  membrane,  and  protruding 
through  the  mucous  coat,  from  which  distils  a  pure, 
limpid,  colorless,  slightly  viscid  fluid.  The  fluid,  thus 
excited,  is  invariably  acid,  and  is  called  the  gastric  juice. 
The  gastric  juice  never  appears  to  accumulate  in  the 
stomach  when  fasting,  and  is  seldom  if  ever  discharged 
from  its  vessels,  except  when  excited  by  the  natural 
stimulus  of  aliment,  mechanical  irritation  of  the  tubes, 
or  other  excitants. 

The  quantity  of  the  gastric  juice  secreted  from  the 
walls  of  the  stomach  depends  on  the  general  require- 
ments of  the  system  rather  than  the  amount  of  food. 
The  juice  refuses  to  dissolve  only  a  certain  amount  of 
food,  and  when  that  is  accomplished,  if  an  excess  has 
been  taken,  the  residue  either  remains  in  the  stomach 
or  passes  into  the  bowels  in  its  crude  form,  becoming  a 
source  of  irritation,  pain,  and  disease.  This  abuse  of 
the  stomach  by  introducing  into  it  more  food  than  it 


PHYSIOLOGY.  509 


can  readily  digest,  is  often  considered  a  trouble  of  but 
few  hours'  duration,  when  in  reality  the  worst  effects  are 
not  felt  at  first,  but  the  foundations  of  a  disease  are  laid, 
oftentimes  exceedingly  troublesome  and  painful,  and  not 
unfrequently  terminating  in  death. 

The  gastric  juice  is  decidedly  acid,  containing  among 
other  ingredients,  a  considerable  amount  of  hydro-chloric 
or  muriatic  acid.  The  process  of  digestion,  at  one  time, 
looked  upon  as  the  result  of  vital  force,  is  now  generally 
conceded  to  be  carried  on  by  chemical  action.  The  food 
in  passing  into  the  stomach  is  subjected  to  a  peculiar 
peristaltic  movement,  not  only  producing  a  thorough  in- 
termixture of  the  gastric  fluid  with  the  alimentary 
mass,  but  causing  the  contents  to  revolve  about  the  in- 
terior from  point  to  point. 

As  the  process  of  digestion  goes  on,  its  result  in  the 
form  of  chyme,  varying  in  color  from  that  of  cream  to 
gruel,  gradually  passes  through  the  pyloric  orifice  into 
the  duodenum.  Here,  before  it  is  taken  up  by  the  lac- 
teals,  it  is  mingled  with  the  bile  and  pancreatic  juice, 
the  soda  in  these  fluids  neutralizing  the  acidity  of  the 
chyme  which  it  has  obtained  from  the  gastric  juice. 
The  effect  of  this  admixture  is  to  separate  the  chyme 
into  three  distinct  parts, — a  reddish  brown  sediment  at 
the  bottom, —  a  whey-colored  fluid  in  the  centre, — and 
a  creamy  pellicle  at  the  top.  The  central  portion  with 
the  creamy  pellicle  seems  to  constitute  the  chyle  absorb- 
ed by  the  lacteals;  the  creamy  matter  being  chiefly 
composed  of  oily  particles,  and  the  wheyey  fluid  having 
proteine-compounds,  saccharine  and  saline  matters  in 
solution,  the  sediment,  partly  consisting  of  the  insoluble 
portion  of  the  food,  and  partly  of  the  biliary  matter  it- 
self, is  evidently  excrementitious. 

Let  us  now  glance  briefly  at  the  circulation  of  the 
blood.  The  popular  explanation  given  to  the  circulation 
of  the  blood  in  man,  makes  the  heart  the  prime-mover 


510  PHYSIOLOGY. 


of  the  mechanism.  This  organ,  they  say,  is  devoted  to  a 
double  purpose,  that  of  a  force-pump,  in  driving  the  ar- 
terial blood  through  the  arteries  to  every  part  of  the 
body,  and  of  a  suction-pump,  to  enable  the  venous  blood 
to  return  to  the  heart.  In  order  to  accomplish  this  two- 
fold purpose,  it  is  furnished  with  valvular  and  tubular 
arrangements,  and,  at  specific  periods,  contracts  and  di- 
lates for  the  purpose  of  ejecting  or  sucking  up  the  cir- 
culating liquid. 

Dr.  Draper,  professor  of  chemistry  in  the  New- York 
University,  has  advanced  another  theory,  which,  to  say 
the  least,  is  plausible  and  worthy  of  careful  investiga- 
tion. To  keep  a  continuous  flow  of  a  liquid  through 
a  capillary  tube  it  is  necessary,  either  by  evaporation, 
or  some  chemical  action,  to  remove  the  superficial  por- 
tions of  the  elevated  liquid  when  they  stand  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  tube.  Fill  a  lamp  with  oil,  and  unless 
you  light  the  wick,  no  oil  would  be  removed.  In  an  al- 
cohol lamp,  if  the  wick  should  be  uncovered  evaporation 
of  the  alcohol  in  the  upper  portion  of  the  capillary  tubes 
of  the  wick  would  take  place,  and  thus  a  continuous 
flow  of  the  alcohol  would  be  kept  up  until  the  contents 
of  the  lamp  were  exhausted.  Take  for  instance  a  bladder, 
which  is  of  course  full  of  capillary  tubes,  fill  it  with  al- 
cohol, making  the  mouth  of  the  bladder  tight,  so  that 
none  of  the  fluid  can  escape.  On  placing  the  bladder 
in  a  vessel  of  water,  you  find  the  alcohol  gradually 
coming  out  of  the  bladder  into  the  water,  and  the  water 
flowing  more  readily,  passing  much  more  rapidly  into 
the  bladder,  so  in  a  short  time  you  have  an  accumu- 
lation in  the  bladder  which  distends  it,  and  finally 
causes  it  to  burst.  Thus  a  constant  current  is  kept  up 
through  the  walls  of  the  bladder,  that  having  the  most 
affinity  for  the  tubes  flowing  more  rapidly.  Watching 
these  phenomena,  Dr.  Draper  lays  down  the  following 
principle : 


PHYSIOLOGY.  511 


"  If  two  liquids  communicate  with  one  another  in  a 
capillary  tube,  or  in  a  porous  or  parenchymatous  struc- 
ture, and  have  for  that  tube  or  stru'-iure  different  chemical 
affinities,  movements  will  ensue;  that  liquid  having  the 
most  energetic  affinity  will  move  with  the  greatest  velocity , 
and  may  even  drive  the  other  liquid  entirely  he/ore  it." 

Starting  from  this  point,  he  endeavors  to  show,  that 
the  same  forces  which  cause  the  circulation  of  sap  in 
the  vegetable  world  are  brought  into  action  in  the  cir- 
culation of  blood  in  the  human  system ;  that  in  both 
cases  the  principle  is  the  same. 

The  arterial  blood  charged  with  oxygen,  as  soon  as  it 
reaches  its  destination  in  the  minute  capillary  vessels, 
begins  to  carry  on  its  process  of  oxydation,  attacking 
in  a  measured  way  the  various  tissues  through  which  it 
is  flowing,  burning  out  their  effete  carbonaceous  matter 
and  in  the  change  of  tissue  which  takes  place,  causing, 
as  we  have  already  shown,  the  evolution  of  heat.  While 
this  change  is  going  on  in  the  tissue  the  arterial  blood 
also  undergoes  a  change,  in  giving  up  its  oxygen  and 
gaining  in  exchange  the  result  of  the  combustion. 
From  crimson,  it  becomes  dark  ;  from  arterial  it  changes 
to  venous  blood.  On  the  one  side  of  the  capillary  tubes, 
we  have  of  course  arterial,  on  the  other  venous  blood. 
The  arterial  blood,  bearing  its  oxygen,  ready  to  burn 
out  any  carbon  or  hydrogen  in  its  way,  substances  of 
which  the  tube  or  structure  is  composed,  possesses  an 
intense  affinity  for  those  structures,  which  is  at  last  ex- 
hibited by  their  destruction.  The  arterial  blood  has 
therefore  an  intense  affinity  for  any  of  the  structures 
with  which  it  is  brought  in  contact,  but  after  its  oxy- 
gen is  exhausted  and  the  arterial  is  changed  into  venous 
blood,  this  affinity  no  longer  exists. 

Referring  back  to  the  principle  already  laid  down, 
what  is  the  phenomenon  which  that  principle  predicts 
as  arising  under  these  circumstances  ?  Simply,  that 


512  PHYSIOLOGY. 


arterial  blood  will  drive  the  venous  blood  before  it,  and 
drive  it  with  an  inexpressible  force.  From  this  train  of 
reasoning  Dr.  Draper  concludes  that  the  true  cause  of 
the  systemic  circulation  is  the  oxygenixed  action  of  the 
arterial  blood.  &  the  systemic  circulation,  upon  these 
principles,  the  flow  must  be  from  the  artery  to  the  vein. 

In  pulmonary  circulation  we  have  venous  blood  pre- 
senting itself  in  the  lungs  to  atmospheric  air.  The 
venous  blood  has  an  intense  affinity  for  the  oxygen  in 
the  air,  and  the  arterial,  of  course  none.  Movement 
therefore  must  ensue,  but  as  the  conditions  of  the  affi- 
nity are  reversed,  so  also  is  the  direction  of  the  motion, 
for  now  the  venous  blood  drives  the  arterial  before  it 
with  great  force  to  the  heart.  The  pulmonary  circula- 
tion is  therefore  due  to  the  oxydation  of  the  venous 
blood. 

Those  who  insist  that  the  circulation  is  owing  to  the 
forcing  and  suction  power  of  the  heart,  and  to  that  alone 
are  referred  to  plants  wholly  destitute  of  a  heart  and 
yet  their  juices  circulate.  There  are  multitudes  of  ani- 
mals in  the  same  predicament.  In  insects  no  such  cen- 
tral organ  appears.  In  fishes  the  systemic  circulation 
is  carried  on  without  a  heart,  and  in  cold-blooded  ani- 
mals movements  in  the  capillaries  take  place  after  the 
heart  is  cut  out  When  we  inquire  into  the  condition 
of  the  circulation  in  the  earliest  periods  of  existence, 
we  find  that  the  vessels  themselves  are  the  first  to  ap- 
pear, and  the  heart  is  subsequently  developed. 

What  then  is  the  true  office  of  the  heart  ?  The  sys- 
temic circulation  originates  in  the  deoxydation  of  the 
blood,  the  pulmonary,  in  its  oxydation.  There  is  no  ne- 
cessary connexion  between  the  chemical  changes  taking 
place  in  the  lungs  and  those  in  the  system.  Both  are 
determined  by  their  own  proper  causes. 

If  therefore  on  either  of  these  points  of  change  an  ex- 
cess of  action  takes  place,  the  result  must  be  a  disturb- 


PHYSIOLOGY.  513 


ance  of  the  equilibrium  of  the  whole  circulation.  At 
some  central  point  therefore,  the  current,  going  to  the 
respiratory  machine,  and  that  going  to  the  system  must 
be  intercepted — and  intercepted  by  an  apparatus  which 
could  hold  both  in  check  and  time  the  movements  of 
one  to  those  of  the  other.  The  heart  then  by  periodic 
muscular  contractions  serves  to  adjust  the  flowing  cur- 
rents to  one  another,  and  prevent  engorgements  or  de- 
ficiencies in  any  part  of  the  route. 

How  do  these  chemical  principles  apply  when  the 
system  becomes  diseased?  Whenever  the  admission  of 
oxygen  into  the  lungs  is  stopped,  the  circulation  through 
them  ceases.  What  is  the  cause  of  that  asphyxiated 
condition?  Why  does  the  blood  cease  to  flow.  The 
chemical  theory  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood  through 
the  lungs  points  to  the  oxydation  of  that  blood  as  the 
cause  of  its  movement.  It  is  the  pressure  of  the  de- 
oxydized  upon  the  oxydized  blood  that  drives  the  lat- 
ter along  the  pulmonary  veins  to  the  heart.  But  should 
anything  intervene  to  prevent  that  oxydation  taking 
place,  no  pressure  can  arise,  and  therefore  no  movement 
ensue;  the  conditions  for  asphyxia  are  all  present; 
conditions  which  are  removed  by  the  readmission  of 
oxygen  into  the  lungs. 


514  HYGIENE 

CHAPTER   III. 
HYGIENE   AND   THE   CAUSES   OF  DISEASE. 

A  large  class  of  diseases  arise  from  ignorance  ;  igno- 
rance of  the  laws  of  health,  of  the  delicate  and  beauti- 
ful organization  of  the  system,  of  the  great  end  and  aim 
of  existence,  of  the  harmonious  play,  which  should  ever 
exist  between  all  the  organs  and  faculties  of  our  being, 
between  the  mind  and  the  body,  the  spiritual  and  the 
physical. 

Amid  the  wild  and  restless  scenes  of  life,  the  cease- 
less whirl  and  mad  excitement  of  business,  the  feverish 
panting  for  fame,  wealth  or  power,  as  well  as  in  the 
more  quiet  paths  of  rural  life,  or  the  slothful  walks  of 
luxurious  ease,  but  very  few  maintain  that  beautiful 
harmony  between  all  the  organs,  that  equilibrium 
throughout  the  system,  which  is  essential  not  only  to 
health,  but  true  greatness. 

As  well  might  we  expect  ripe  fruit  amid  the  cutting 
winds,  the  ice  and  snow  of  our  northern  winter,  or  the 
rich  luxuriance  of  southern  vegetation  in  our  colder 
northern  clime,  as  to  expect  health,  a  happy  tempera- 
ment, and  above  all  a  clear  and  strong  mind,  unless  an 
equilibrium  be  kept  up  in  the  system  and  each  organ 
receive  its  necessary  and  only  its  necessary  degree  of 
attention  and  cultivation. 

There  is  no  machine  in  the  world  so  much  abused  as 
the  human  system,  or  which,  if  trifled  with  to  the  same 
extent,  would  last  one  half  as  long.  It  is  not  generally 
until  often  and  repeated  violations  of  the  laws  of  health, 
that  nature  unable  longer  to  bear  the  ill  treatment, 
sinks. 

We  know  there  is  an  inexorable  sentence  passed  on 
all,  from  which  there  is  no  appeal.  That  sentence  is, 


AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE.  515 

death.  This  dread  conqueror  tramples  on  all.  His  foot 
must  rest  on  the  necks  of  all,  but  must  more  than  half 
the  human  race  yield  to  his  power  in  the  first  flush  of 
life,  before  they  have  numbered  five  summers  ?  Must 
the  strokes  of  death  fall  thick  and  fast  on  the  young, 
the  bright,  the  gay,  the  talented,  the  genius,  the  states- 
man, the  poet,  the  scholar,  the  divine,  before  even  time 
has  marked  his  wrinkles  on  their  brows  or  scattered 
his  frosts  on  their  heads  ?  Must  earth  be  piled  with 
the  graves  of  the  young  ?  Must  the  human  family, 
filled  with  disease  and  racked  with  pain,  go  groaning 
and  sighing  through  the  world,  with  forms  bent,  and 
heavy  steps  and  downcast  eyes,  and  haggard  looks  ? 
No,  we  have  not  thus  read  the  designs  of  Providence. 
Great  laws  have  been  ordained  to  govern  our  physical 
as  well  as  moral  being.  The  human  system  is  a  perfect 
instrument,  which  should  ever  be  strung  to  harmony. 

Obey  the  laws  of  health,  for  they  were  all  intended 
for  our  physical  well-being,  maintain  a  proper  equili- 
brium in  the  system,  and  a  perfect  harmony  will  per- 
vade the  whole,  and  the  notes  of  this  glorious  instru- 
ment grow  clearer  and  sweeter  until  it  is  broken  not 
by  disease,  but  time. 

The  object  of  the  present  chapter,  is  to  unfold  some 
of  the  great  laws  of  health,  to  show  the  causes  of  dis- 
ease, and  how  in  many  cases  it  may  be  prevented,  re- 
serving for  other  chapters  the  treatment  of  disease 
after  it  has  once  sown  its  seeds  in  the  system. 

In  the  investigation  of  this  subject  we  shall  consider 

1.  Climate,  changes  of  temperature,  <&c. 

2.  Impure  air,  ventilation  and  cleanliness. 
*  3.  Diet,  exercise,  &c. 

4.  Bathing — its  different  varieties. 

5.  Influence  of  mind  on  disease. 

6.  Hereditary  taint,  predisposition  to  disease,  <&c. 
7   Menta1,  moral  and  physical  education. 


616  HYGIENE 

1.    CLIMATE,    CHANGES    OF    TEMPERATURE,    &C. 

The  range  of  temperature  and  the  amount  of  cold  and 
heat  the  human  system  is  capable  of  enduring  is  im- 
mense. Thus,  we  find  human  beings,  as  well  as  various 
forms  of  animal  and  vegetable  life,  flourishing  in  the 
intense  cold  of  the  frozen  regions,  when  the  thermometer 
sinks  to  40  or  50°  below  zero,  and  the  night  is  five  or 
six  months  long,  as  well  as  in  more  temperate  regions 
and  in  the  torrid  zone,  where  the  thermometer  remains 
for  weeks  from  100  to  110°  above  zero. 

The  amount  of  heat  and  cold,  which  the  human  sys- 
tem is  capable  of  enduring  under  certain  circumstances 
has  been  proved  by  actual  experiment  to  be  so  enormous, 
that  had  not  the  statements  been  well  attested,  we  should 
have  been  inclined  to  doubt  their  truth.  In  some  ex- 
periments tried  in  the  years  1760  and  1761  in  France, 
to  devise  means  to  destroy  an  insect  which  consumed 
the  grain,  a  girl  entered  the  oven  and  after  remaining 
two  or  three  minutes  marked  the  point  to  which  the  mer- 
cury in  the  thermometer  had  risen  at  260D.  Insisting 
that  she  felt  no  inconvenience,  she  remained  ten  min- 
utes longer,  during  which  time  the  mercury  reached  the 
288  degree,  or  76°  of  heat  above  water  when  it  boils. 
On  coining  out,  her  complexion  was  heightened,  but  her 
respiration  was  neither  quick  nor  labored. 

Another  girl  remained  in  the  oven  the  same  length  of 
time  with  equal  impunity,  and  even  breathed  for  five 
minutes  air  heated  to  325°  or  113  above  boiling  water. 

At  different  times  physicians  and  others  have  entered 
rooms  heated  to  240  and  260°  and  remained  some  time, 
sometimes  with,  and  again  without  their  clothes,  ana 
without  inconvenience.  During  this  time  the  animal 
heat,  ascertained  by  placing  the  thermometer  under  the 
tongue,  was  scarcely  increased  at  all,  but  the  pulse  was 
much  quickened.  The  heat  was  so  great,  that  pieces  of 


AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE.  517 


•  metal  about  them  could  hardly  be  touched ;  breathing 
on  the  thermometer  caused  the  mercury  to  fall  several 
degrees,  and  they  also  cooled  their  ringers  by  breathing 
on  them.  In  the  same  air,  eggs  were  roasted  hard  in 
twenty  minutes,  and  beefsteak  well  cooked  in  thirty. 

•Taking  the  other  extreme,  we  find  the  body  capable 
of  enduring  under  certain  circumstances  an  intense  de- 
gree of  cold  without  injury.  Air  being  a  bad  conductor, 
caloric  is  exhausted  much  more  rapidly  when  the  air  is 
in  motion  than  when  still,  and  therefore  a  much  greater 
amount  of  cold  can  be  endured  in  the  latter  than  in  the 
former  case.  Capt.  Parry  mentions  that  where  the 
thermometer  was  55°  below  zero  and  no  wind  stirring, 
the  hands  could  remain  uncovered  without  inconvenience 
for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  while  with  a  fresh  breeze  and 
the  thermometer  at  zero,  the  pain  in  the  same  length 
of  time  would  be  intense. 

In  the  recent  expedition  to  the  Arctic  regions,  under 
command  of  Capt.  de  Haven,  in  search  of  Sir  John 
Franklin,  the  degree  of  cold  to  which  the  men  were 
subject  in-a  climate  where  the  thermometer  for  weeks 
numbered  from  thirty  to  fifty  degrees  below  zero,  was 
beyond  what  we  can  well  realize.  Yet  the  men  were 
generally  healthy.  There  were  but  very  few  colds  or  in- 
flammatory diseases  and  I  believe  no  deaths. 

Thus  we  see  that  the  body  is  capable  of  enduring 
under  certain  circumstances,  and  for  a  certain  time,  great 
extremes  of  heat  and  cold.  It  was  formerly  supposed, 
and  is  to  a  certain  extent  now,  that  sudden  changes  ot 
temperature  are  in  all  cases  hurtful.  But  this  is  by  no 
means  always  the  case.  The  inhabitants  of  Russia  are 
in  the  habit,  while  reeking  from  their  vapor  baths,  of 
plunging  directly  into  cold  water,  or  rolling  in  snow, 
without  injurious  effects,  and  Capt.  Parry  remarked  that 
during  his  northern  expedition  they  were  constantly  in 
the  habit  in  going  from  the  cabin  into  the  external  air, 


518  HYGIENE 

of  undergoing  a  change  of  from  80  to  120°  of  tem- 
perature in  one  minute  without  the  slightest  unpleasant 
sensations. 

The  sudden  descent  from  one  point  to  another  in  at- 
mospheric temperature,  must  of  course  vary  in  its  effect, 
according  to  the  state  of  the  body  at  that  time.  We  have 
heretofore  explained  the  generation  of  animal  heat,  and 
shown  that  in  health,  nearly  the  same  degree  of  inward 
temperature  is  maintained  in  every  clime.  If  the  external 
temperature  be  lower  than  that  of  the  body,  the  heat  carri- 
ed off  is  instantly  replaced  in  health,  by  the  combustion 
within,  together  with  exercise  and  clothing.  When  it  ap- 
proaches the  natural  heat  of  the  body,  sweat  breaks  out, 
and  the  superfluous  heat  is  thus  removed  by  evaporation. 
The  internal  evolution  of  heat  is  so  constant,  that  an  ex- 
ternal temperature  of  98,  which  is  about  the  heat  of  blood 
in  man,  when  of  course  the  atmosphere  cannot  abstract 
heat  from  the  body,  is  exceeding  oppressive.  If  the 
heat  is  carried  off  just  as  fast  and  no  faster  than  it  is 
developed,  no  particular  sensation  of  either  heat  or  cold 
is  felt.  Therefore  the  sensations  must  vary  in  a  great 
measure  with  the  power  which  different  constitutions 
possess  of  evolving  heat.  Thus  one  person  whose  power 
of  evolving  heat  may  be  ]ess  than  another,  will  be  cold 
in  a  temperature,  which  the  other  would  consider  warm. 

If  this  power  of  evolving  heat,  be  entire,  active,  and 
continuous,  no  danger  need  be  apprehended  even  from 
various  alterations  of  temperature.  Great  heat  of  the 
body,  when  the  cold  is  applied,  is  really  a  condition  of 
safety  instead  of  danger,  provided  the  heat  is  steady  and 
permanent.  Thus,how  refreshing  to  the  heated  brow  is  the 
application  of  ice,  and  how  grateful  during  the  burning 
paroxysm  of  fever  affusions  of  cold  water.  This  principle 
also  holds  good  of  the  application  of  cold,  when  the  body 
has  been  heated  by  exercise,  or  from  any  other  cause,  pro- 
vided that  cause  remains  steadily  in  action,  there  being  no 


AND   THE    CAUSES    OF   DISEASE.  519 

local  disease,  and  the  body  not  fatigued,  and  fast  loosing 
its  heat.  But,  if  a  person  is  exhausted  and  weakened 
by  exercise,  if  he  is  perspiring  and  rapidly  parting  with 
heat,  if  the  exercise  is  over  and  he  remains  at  rest 
during,  and  immediately  after  the  application  of  cold, 
then  there  is  danger  of  mischief.  The  danger  is  not  from 
the  application  of  cold,  when  the  body  is  hot,  but  when 
the  body  is  cooling  after  having  been  heated. 

In  all  those  cases  where  death  is  occasioned  by  drink- 
ing cold  water,  it  will  be  found  that  the  body,  heated 
and  fatigued  by  exertion,  was  rapidly  losing  heat  by 
profuse  perspiration,  the  person  having  generally  at  the 
time  ceased  his  exertions.  If  the  exertion  had  been 
continued,  or  at  any  rate  the  heat  kept  at  its  previous 
standard,  no  danger  would  have  resulted.  It  was  in  this 
way,  that  Alexander  lost  more  of  his  army  than  had 
ever  been  slain  in  his  most  bloody  battle,  when  they, 
thirsty,  weary,  and  perspiring  with  their  long  march 
across  the  desert,  rushed  wildy  into  the  cold  waters  of 
the  River  Oxus. 

Following  out  the  principle  we  have  just  laid  down 
we  are  taught  a  vast  number  of  useful  facts. 

The  traveler  need  apprehend  but  little  danger  from 
wet  feet,  or  a  wet  skin,  provided  he  keep  up  active  ex- 
ercise, changes  his  clothes  as  soon  as  that  exercise  ceases, 
and  avoids  future  applications  of  cold.  It  is  very 
common  with  bathers,  after  having  become  heated  by  a 
walk  or  violent  exercise,  to  pause  for  a  while  before 
plunging  into  the  waier,  and,  as  they  term  it,  "  cool  off," 
after  which  they  rush  in  and  remain  some  time.  This, 
you  will  perceive,  is  not  only  unwise,  but  highly  danger- 
ous. Far  better  plunge  in  at  once,  paddle  about,  remain 
but  a  few  moments,  then  come  out  and  dress.  And  so 
the  young  lady,  fatigued  and  heated  with  dancing,  had 
far  better  get  into  her  carriage,  ride  home  and  jump 
into  bed  than  to  stand  in  this  state  for  a  little  while  and 


520  HYGIENE 

partially  "  cool  off"  in  the  entrance  hall  before  starting. 
And  the  gentleman  similarly  situated,  will  feel  much 
better  the  next  day  from  having  put  on  his  over  coat  and 
walked  briskly  home. 

Recollect  that  heat,  preternaturally  accumulated  by 
exercisers  dissipated  by  profuse  perspiration,  and  speedi- 
ly lost,  when  to  this  is  added  rest  after  fatigue,  and 
that  then  the  application  of  cold  is  liable  to  be  followed 
by  unpleasant  results. 

A  very  constant  effect  of  continued  heat  is,  to  stimu- 
late the  organic  functions  of  the  body.  We  have  evidence 
of  this  in  the  luxuriant  vegetation  of  warm  climates  in 
comparison  with  the  stunted  growth  of  colder  regions. 
As  you  approach  nearer  and  nearer  the  poles,  not  only 
vegetables,  but  animals  become  stunted.  The  inhabi- 
tants of  warm  climates  are  much  larger  than  those  of 
frigid  regions.  Notwithstanding  there  may  not  be  much 
difference  in  point  of  size  between  the  inhabitants  of 
the  torrid  and  temperate  zone,  yet  the  former  reach 
maturity  much  sooner  than  the  latter,  and  it  is  not  un- 
common to  find  among  them  females  married  and  the 
mothers  of  children  at  the  age  of  twelve  or  fourteen. 
Continued  heat  also  produces  a  depressing  influence  on 
the  animal  functions,  causing  lassitude  arid  want  of  en- 
ergy. Those  nations  who  have  most  signalized  them- 
selves in  the  world's  history,  and  left  the  largest  record 
on  its  pages,  have  been  those,  not  in  equatorial  regions, 
but  in  the  more  northern  and  cold  climates.  From 
causes  already  explained,  the  prominent  affections  in 
warm  climates  are  those  of  a  dysenteric  or  bilious  cha- 
racter. 

The  effects  produced  by  cold  are  directly  the  reverse 
to  those  of  heat.  It  acts,  when  long  continued,  as  a  seda- 
tive on  the  animal  functions.  There  is  a  shrinking  of 
the  external  parts,  and  a  paleness  or  deadness  of  the 
skin.  One  of  the  first  effects  of  cold  on  the  system,  is 


AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE.  521 

extreme  drowsiness,  followed  by  a  stupor  or  sleep,  during 
which  the  poor  victim  glides  without  a  pang  into  the 
arms  of  death.  This  sense  of  drowsiness  is  often  so 
great,  that  notwithstanding  the  person  is  conscious,  that 
to  sleep  is  to  die,  he  cannot  rouse  himself. 

There  are  times,  however,  when  cold  not  too  intense, 
produces  an  entirely  different  effect,  acting  as  a  tonic, 
stimulating,  refreshing  and  invigorating  the  mind  and 
body.  It  then  becomes  a  most  important  curative 
agent.  I  have  only  to  instance  the  well  known  effect 
of  cold  bathing,  where  it  is  followed  by  reaction. 

A  momentary  sensation  of  cold,  however  intense,  is 
seldom  injurious,  but  long-continued  shivering  will  be 
very  likely  to  end  in  disease.  The  effect  of  cold  is 
more  injurious  when  applied  by  currents  of  air.  This  is 
particularly  the  case  when  the  current  strikes  only  one 
portion  of  the  body.  Better  expose  the  whole  body  to 
the  same  temperature,  than  have  a  current  playing  on 
one  portion.  Cold  is  far  more  prejudicial  to  health 
when  accompanied  with  moisture.  Hence  a  damp  cold, 
foggy  atmosphere  is  much  more  likely  to  produce  dis- 
ease, than  a  clear  and  dryer  one  of  the  same  tempera- 
ture. Wet  and  damp  clothes  prolong  the  sensation  of 
cold,  and  extract  more  heat  from  the  body  than  is  ge- 
nerated within,  and  unless  exercise  or  stimulants  are 
made  use  of,  deranges  the  circulation  and  creates  inter- 
nal disturbance. 

We  have  seen  that  the  amount  of  animal  heat  remains 
nearly  the  same  in  all  temperatures  and  in  all  climates. 
That  the  air  of  colder  regions  is  more  condensed  and 
with  the  same  number  of  respirations  we  inhale  a  much 
greater  amount  of  oxygen  than  in  the  rarefied  atmos- 
phere of  warmer  climates,  that  it  is  absolutely  essential 
to  life  that  the  rapidity  with  which  animal  heat  is 
generated  should  vary  in  the  different  temperatures  of 
the  earth. 


522  HYGIENE 


There  is  nothing  which  renders  the  system  more  liable 
to  the  injurious  effects  of  cold  than  want  of  proper 
nourishment.  Dissipation  also  prostrates  the  system  and 
in  a  measure  paralyzes  the  power  of  nature.  In  cold 
weather  the  food  of  course  should  be  nourishing,  the 
clothing  warm,  and  exercise  when  in  the  open  air,  active. 
In  our  northern  climates  it  is  generally  best  to  wear 
flannel  next  the  skin  throughout  the  year,  thinner  in 
summer  of  course  than  in  winter.  Being  a  bad  conduc- 
tor of  heat  it  prevents  that  of  the  body  from  being 
quickly  dissipated,  and  therefore  in  a  measure  guards 
against  the  frequent  changes  of  temperature  so  common 
in  our  climate. 

It  also  absorbs  the  perspiration,  and  by  its  constant 
friction  in  movement,  gently  stimulates  the  vessels  and 
nerves  of  the  skin.  I  fully  appreciate  and  insist  on  the 
necessity  of  comfortable  warmth  to  insure  health,  and 
yet  I  have  no  sympathy  with  the  growing  effeminacy 
of  the  present  day.  To  see  the  young,  who  should  be 
full  of  life  and  activity,  and  possess  the  strongest  and 
most  vigorous  powers  of  generating  heat,  muffled  up  in 
cloaks,  padded  coats  and  furs,  in  this  climate,  forcibly 
reminds  one  that  they  may  be  better  acquainted  with 
the  reeking  fumes  of  the  bar-room,  the  halls  of  revelry 
and  the  haunts  of  dissipation,  or  the  heated  air  of  the 
drawing-room,  than  the  healthy,  manly,  and  active  duties 
of  life.  It  certainly  bespeaks  a  ridiculous  effeminacy, 
and  one  from  which  they  themselves  will  be  the  greatest 
sufferers.  Pure  and  healthy  recreation,  manly  and  vi- 
gorous exercise  in  the  open  air,  conquering  cold  by  in- 
( ii-Mscd  physical  exertion,  nourishing  food,  and  mode- 
rately warm  clothing,  are  far  better  than  piles  of  furs  or 
1  lusts  of  mufflers.  In  addition  to  this,  prepare  the  sys- 
tem before  going  out  by  washing  from  head  to  foot  in 
cold  water. 

But  in  the  training  of  children  particularly,  in  avoid- 


AND  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISE\SE.  523 

ing  effeminacy,  there  is  danger  of  running  into  the 
other  extreme,  and  in  pursuing  what  is  called  "  harden- 
ing^ soon  harden  them  into  their  graves.  The  consti- 
tution of  the  child  should  be  closely  studied,  and  the 
utmost  prudence  observed  in  the  "  hardening"  process. 
The  child  should  be  sufficiently  clothed,  and  a  continued 
sensation  of  chilliness  never  permitted.  A  cold  bath 
every  morning  fortifies  the  body  against  the  cold  of  the 
day,  but  even  this  should  not  be  indulged  in  unless  fol- 
lowed by  a  glow  of  warmth. 

In  warm  climates,  if  any  thing,  a  greater  amount  of 
care  is  necessary  to  maintain  health  under  the  enervating 
and  debilitating  effect  of  continued  heat,  the  animal 
functions  should  be  kept  naturally  active  and  vigorous, 
and  no  organ  overtasked  beyond  its  strength.  Expo- 
sure to  the  intense  heat  of  the  sun  may  produce  fearful 
congestion,  and  dissipation  of  every  kind  may  so  impair 
the  functions  of  nature  as  to  render  her  an  easy  prey  to 
the  ravages  of  disease.  The  same  amount  of  food  or  the 
same  variety  as  in  a  colder  climate  would  not  only  be 
unnecessary  but  highly  injurious.  The  external  tempe- 
rature is  nearly  if  not  quite  the  same  as  the  internal. 
But  little  animal  heat  is  therefore  required,  and  but 
little  oxygen  in  comparison  with  colder  regions  is  in- 
spired, and  consequently  if  a  large  amount  of  nutritious 
food  is  introduced  into  the  system  it  is  not  consumed, 
but  clogs  and  fetters  the  operations  of  nature.  Nature 
in  the  abundant  fruits  and  vegetables  scattered  through- 
out that  climate  has  designated  the  proper  food  for  use. 

IMPURE  Am,  VENTILATION  AND  CLEANLINESS. — A  pure  at- 
mosphere is  essential  to  life  and  health,  and  when  it  be- 
comes poisoned  by  decaying  vegetable  matter  or  the  gene- 
ration of  unwholesome  gases,  disease  is  the  consequence, 
either  assuming  the  form  of  an  epidemic,  and  sweeping 
over  the  land  like  a  besom  of  destruction,  or  showing 


524  HYGIENE 


its  influence  in  the  gradual  decay  and  prostration  of  the 
vital  powers. 

Local  causes  produce  changes  in  the  atmosphere,  and 
give  rise  to  peculiar  diseases.  Thus  at  the  base  of  lofty 
mountains,  as  the  Alps  in  Switzerland,  we  more  generally 
find  Goitre,  or  swelled  neck  ;  the  smiling  plains  of  Italy 
are  saddened  by  the  presence  of  a  loathsome  cutaneous 
affection  ;  the  Campagna,  in  the  vicinity  of  Rome,  pre- 
sents a  smiling  and  beautiful  appearance,  yet  its  noxious 
exhalations  poison  the  atmosphere,  and  often  produce 
in  those  who  have  merely  passed  over  its  flowery  sur- 
face, the  seeds  of  an  incurable  disease.  In  new  coun- 
tries, where  the  virgin  soil  is  being  turned  up  to  the 
warmth  of  the  sun,  and  even  in  old,  where  there  is  much 
standing  water,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  swamps,  the  air  is 
poisoned  by  a  malaria,  which  gives  rise  to  the  chills  and 
fever.  Yet  in  either  of  these  cases,  what  chemist  is  suf- 
ficiently skillful  to  tell  the  precise  amount  of  this  poison 
sufficient  to  produce  disease.  We  can  neither  see,  taste, 
nor  smell  anything  more  than  usual,  and  yet  we  inhale 
a  poison  most  destructive  to  health  and  even  life.  We 
sometimes  find  in  nature  infinitesimal  doses,  as  well  as 
in  our  peculiar  school  of  medicine. 

The  composition  of  atmospheric  air  we  have  already 
mentioned.  When  taken  into  the  system  it  consists  of 
about  78  per  cent,  of  nitrogen,  21  of  oxygen,  and  1  of 
carbonic  acid,  but  when  expelled  from  the  lungs  it  is 
loaded  with  moisture,  and  notwithstanding  the  amount 
of  nitrogen  remains  nearly  the  same,  from  eight  to  nine 
per  cent,  of  oxygen  has  disappeared  and  been  replaced 
by  carbonic  acid. 

The  inspirations  of  an  adult  are  at  least  fifteen  in  a 
minute,  and  the  average  consumption  of  air  not  far  'from 
20  cubic  inches  at  each  inspiration,  so  that  a  single  in- 
dividual requires  for  respiration  at  least  300  cubic  inches 
of  air  in  one  minute.  Therefore  in  the  same  time  21 


VENTILATION.       CLEANLINESS.  525 


inches  of  oxygen  disappear  and  are  replaced  by  the  same 
amount  of  carbonic  acid,  and  in  one  hour  each  individual 
takes  in  through  the  lungs  at  least  1440  cubic  inches, 
the  place  of  which  is  supplied  by  the  same  amount  of 
carbonic  acid.  Thus  each  averaged  sized  adult  consumes 
about  45,000  cubic  inches  of  oxygen,  and  gives  out  about 
40,000  cubic  inches  of  carbonic  acid  in  24  hours.  The 
only  part  of  the  air  capable  of  supporting  life  is  the 
oxygen,  and  when  the  oxygen  of  the  atmosphere  is  part- 
ly consumed  or  vitiated  by  means  of  the  vast  addition 
of  carbonic  acid,  the  lungs  are  deprived  of  their  arte- 
rializing  power,  and  respiration  consequently  is  seriously 
impaired.  Take,  for  instance  a  mouse  and  confine  it  in 
a  tight  glass  jar  full  of  air,  and  for  a  short  time  it  seems 
to  suffer  no  inconvenience,  but  as  the  consumption  of 
oxygen,  and  the  exhalation  of  carbonic  acid  goes  on,  the 
little  victim  pants  as  if  struggling  for  air,  and  in  a  short 
time  dies  convulsed,  as  if  drowned  or  strangulated. 
Does  it  require  more  than  the  simple  statement  of  the 
above  facts  to  convince  all  of  the  absolute  necessity  of 
pure  air,  and  well-ventilated  rooms.  The  practice  of 
crowding  several  individuals  in  tight  rooms  cannot  be 
too  strongly  condemned.  And  yet  it  is  by  no  means  rare 
to  witness  several  persons  occupying  one  room,  and  that 
heated  by  a  tight  iron  stove,  with  no  way  of  establish- 
ing a  current  of  air  or  draft  in  the  room.  The  air  is  not 
only  vitiated  by  so  many  breaths,  but  the  oxygen  con- 
sumed by  the  stove. 

But  a  few  years  since  I  was  called  one  evening  to 
visit  a  poor  person  very  sick  with  the  ship  fever.  I 
found  a  kind  of  hovel,  almost  surrounded  by  water,  con- 
sisting of  one  room,  perhaps  fifteen  or  sixteen  feet 
square,  in  the  centre  of  which  stood  a  stove  almost  red 
hot,  in  which  the  cooking  of  the  whole  family  was  done. 
This  room  was  occupied  by  nine  persons,  five  of  whom 
were  under  the  full  influence  of  the  low,  putrid,  and 


526  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 


sinking  */t:j>  f,-/;r.  This  was  by  no  means  an  isolated 
case.  Every  physician  accustomed  to  practice  in  our 
towns  is  constantly  meeting  cases  in  close  and  crowded 
rooms  where  disease  has  its  full  sweep,  and  where  the 
remedy  they  require,  and  without  which  they  will  die, 
is  pure  air.  In  cities,  particularly  among  the  poorer 
classes  of  our  population,  a  fruitful  source  of  crime, 
sickness,  and  those  frightful  epidemics,  and  pestilential 
diseases,  which  are  so  fife  among  them,  and  from  them 
spreads  through  the  community,  is  impure  air,  want  of 
cleanliness  and  nourishing  food.  The  smiling  country 
is  open  before  them  with  the  pure  air  of  heaven  eddying 
around  the  hill-tops  and  along  the  valleys.  The  mighty 
\\cst,  with  dark  forests,  running  streams,  cool  and  spark- 
ling fountains,  a  rich  and  virgin  soil,  beckons  them  to 
a  home  of  peace  and  plenty,  with  less  expense  than  they 
incur  in  the  crowded  rooms  and  confined  air  of  the  city. 
And  yet  it  is  often  the  case,  that  the  poor  prefer  the 
city,  with  all  its  deprivations,  to  the  country  and  plenty. 
You  notice  the  effect  of  breathing -vitiated  air  in  pale 
and  haggard  faces,  sunken  eyes  and  cheeks,  lassitude, 
want  of  energy,  and  dizziness  or  pain  in  the  head. 
Happily  the  public  mind  is  waking  up  to  the  neces- 
sity, if  they  wish  to 'preserve  health,  of  having  well- ven- 
tilated homes,  churches  and  school-rooms. 

Cl<a'nlin'.sx  is  absolutely  essential  to  vigorous  health, 
as  will  be  readily  seen  when  we  reflect  on  the.  intimate 
sympathy  existing  between  the  skin  and  all  the  internal 
organs.  When  we  remember  that -the  skin  is  perforated 
with  an  innumerable  number  of  perspiratory  tubes, 
which  carry  off  from  the  system  in  the  form  of  insen- 
,  .!•*['' /-it < '-.>  an  average  amount  of  thirty-three 
••>•  of  changed  and  worn-out  material,  aside  from 
what  is  thrown  off  in  the  form  of  visible  perspiration, 
often  amounting  to  two  or  three  pounds  in  the  course  of 
an  hour,  and  that  if  these  pores  are  contracted  or  closed 


DIET    AND    EXERCISE.  527 

by  cold  or  any  other  cause,  this  large  amount  of  useless 
matter  must  be  retained  in  the  system  or  thrown  on 
other  organs,  such  as  the  lungs,  stomach,  liver,  and  kid- 
neys, we  can  readily  perceive  how  important  it  is  that 
the  skin  should  be  kept  vigorous  and  healthy. 

To  avoid  this  closing  of  the  pores,  in  the  first  place 
be  careful  to  keep  the  clothing  next  the  skin  fresh  and 
clean,  as  it  very  soon  becomes  saturated  with  perspira- 
tion. Clothing  worn  during  the  day  should  in  no  case 
be  worn  at  night.  The  bed  also  should  be  thoroughly 
aired  before  being  prepared  for  the  night. 

The  head  should  be  kept  clean,  as  a  collection  of  dan- 
druff often  produces  pain  and  even  eruptions  on  the 
scalp.  Unguents,  and  washes  of  all  kinds,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  water,  should  as  a  general  thing  be  avoided. 
Many  of  these  preparations  contain  poisons  highly  pre- 
judicial to  health,  and  when  applied  to  the  hair  create 
pain  in  the  head,  and  general  derangement  of  the  ner- 
vous system.  Thus,  some  of  these  washes  and  unguents 
contain  arsenic,  others  Spanish  Fly,  and  others  still, 
lead  and  a  variety  of  poisons. 

Above  all  to  insure  a  healthy  skin,  water  should  be 
used  in  abundance.  Thorough  ablutions  of  the  entire 
body  should  be  just  as  much  a  part  of  the  daily  work 
as  eating. 

DIET  AND  EXERCISE. 

Pure  air,  clothing,  and  cleanliness,  are  not  the  only 
things  about  which  it  is  necessary  to  be  particular  in 
order  to  insure  health.  Without  something  for  the  oxy- 
gen taken  into  the  lungs  to  consume,  the  air  would  do 
no  good.  Hence  the  amount  of  food  used  should  be  of 
the  proper  kind,  in  the  proper  quantities,  and  vary  in 
kind  and  amount,  according  to  the  amount  of  oxygen 
inspired,  and  the  quantity  of  heat  necessary  to  be 
evolved  to  insure  comfort  and  support  life.  We  have 


528 


HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 


already  explained  the  evolution  of  animal  heat,  and 
thus,  the  process  of  digestion  and  nutrition.  We  have 
seen  that  the  inhabitants  of  cold  climates  require  food 
rich  in  carbon,  such  as  meat  and  oil,  that  those  of  the 
torrid  climate  require  food  containing  but  little  carbon, 
and  should  feed  more  on  fruits  and  vegetables,  while  in 
temperate  regions  a  judicious  intermixture  of  both  is 
necessary.  We  will  now  mention  the  time  required,  as 
has  been  ascertained  by  experiment,  for  the  digestion  of 
some  of  the  prominent  articles  of  food. 


h.     m. 

Apples,  sweet, 

raw, 

digested 

in 

1.  50. 

"       sour,  hard, 

« 

" 

u 

2.  50. 

Barley, 

boiled, 

« 

u 

2. 

Bass,  striped,  fresh, 

broiled, 

« 

u 

3. 

Beans,  pod, 

boiled, 

u 

u 

2.  30. 

u         green  corn, 

« 

u 

u 

3.  45. 

Beef,  fresh,  lean,  rare, 

roasted, 

u 

u 

3. 

"         "     steak, 

broiled, 

u 

<( 

3. 

"     old,  hard,  salted, 

boiled, 

u 

u 

4.  15. 

Beets, 

« 

u 

« 

3.  45. 

Bread,  corn, 

baked, 

u 

M 

3.  15. 

"      wheat,  fresh, 

" 

u 

u 

3.  30. 

Butter, 

melted, 

u 

u 

3.  30. 

Cabbage, 

raw, 

u 

u 

2.  30. 

"        with  vinegar, 

• 

u 

u 

2. 

" 

boiled, 

u 

u 

4.  30. 

Cheese,  old, 

raw, 

u 

u 

3.  30. 

Chicken, 

fricasseed, 

u 

11 

2.  45. 

Codfish,  dry, 

boiled, 

u 

u 

2. 

Duck, 

roasted, 

u 

u 

4. 

Eggs,  fresh, 

hard  boiled,       " 

u 

3.  30. 

u           u 

soft  boiled, 

u 

u 

3. 

u           u 

raw, 

u 

u 

2. 

Goose,  wild, 

roasted, 

u 

u 

2.  30. 

Lamb, 

broiled, 

u 

u 

2.  30. 

DIET    AND    EXERCISE. 


029 


Liver,  beefs, 

Meat  and  vegetables, 

Milk, 

Mutton, 

Oysters, 

u 

Pork, 
« 

Potatoes,  Irish, 


broiled, 
hashed, 


digested  in 


raw, 

stewed,  " 

roasted,  " 

stewed.  " 

boiled,  « 
roasted,  baked,  u 

boiled.  u 


h.     m. 
2.  00. 

2.  30. 
o 

Q 

2.  55. 

3.  30. 
5.  15. 
3. 

3.  30. 
2.  30. 


Kice, 

Sago,  «  «        «        1.  15. 

Salmon,  salted,  «  «        «        4. 

Tapioca,  «  «        «        2. 

Tripe,  «  «        «         1. 

Trout,  salmon,  «  «        «        1.  30. 

Turkey,  «  «        «        2.  25. 

Turnips,  u  u        «        3.  30. 

Veal,  broiled,  «        «        4. 

Venison  steak,  "  "        "        1.  35. 

Pork  is  exceedingly  difficult  of  digestion,  while  mut- 
ton, beef,  and  venison  are  not  only  highly  nutritious  but 
easy  of  digestion. 

Veal  and  lamb  are  nutritious,  but  not  as  easily  digest- 
ed, Poultry  is  generally  easy  of  digestion,  and  when 
young  and  tender,  suitable  to  invalids. 

For  invalids  who  are  not  able  to  digest  meat  and  yet 
require  its  strength,  "beef  tea"  is  a  very  excellent  pre- 
paration. Its  ordinary  way  of  preparing  it  is,  to  place 
some  fresh  meat  cut  in  small  pieces  into  a  bottle  with 
the  necessary  amount  of  water,  cork  it  up  and  then 
place  the  bottle  in  boiling  water  where  it  can  remain 
until  the  juice  is  extracted  from  the  meat. 

Liebig  gives  the  following  formula,  which  is  still  bet- 
ter.    "Take  a  half  a  pound  of  fresh  beef  or  chicken, 
23 


530  HYGIENE    AND   THE    CAUSES    OP   DISEASE. 

chop  it  finely,  and  mix  it  well  with  a  pint  and  a  half  of 
ice  cold  water,  to  which  has  been  added  four  drops  of 
pure  Ilydrocliloi'ic-acid  (Muriatic-acid)  and  a  teaspoon- 
ful  of  common  salt.  After  standing  for  one  hour,  the 
whole  is  thrown  upon  a  hair-sieve  and  suffered  to  drain 
without  any  pressure.  The  first  cloudy  droppings  are 
returned  to  the  sieve  until  it  flows  quite  clearly,  A  half 
pint  is  then  thrown  in,  in  small  portions  upon  the  resi- 
due in  the  sieve." 

This  liquid  extract  of  flesh  must  be  administered  to 
the  patient  COLD  and  should  be  kept  continually  cold,  as 
when  heated  it  becomes  cloudy,  and  gives  rise  to  a  thick 
deposit  of  flesh  albumen  and  hsenaatin,  and  is  liable  to 
turn  sour.  External  ice  cooling  removes  the  difficulty 
completely. 

Eggs  and  oysters  are  nutritious,  and  if  not  cooked  too 
much,  easy  of  digestion.  Rice  is  nutritious  and  easy  of 
digestion,  as  well  as  sago,  arrow-root,  tapioca,  and  farina. 
The  potato  is  more  digestible  when  roasted  or  baked 
than  when  boiled.  Fruits  of  all  kinds  are  not  generally 
nutritious,  although  they  are  refreshing  and  wholesome. 
They  should  be  eaten,  however,  in  the  fore-part  of  the 
day,  or  at  any  rate  not  in  the  evening.  As  it  regards 
the  use  of  coffee,  no  particular  directions  can  be  given. 
It  is  highly  injurious  to  some,  while  others  can  use  it, 
not  too  strong,  with  plenty  of  milk,  with  entire  safety. 
It  is  strictly  prohibited  in  almost  every  form  of  disease, 
especially  when  taking  medicine.  Tea  is  subject  to  the 
same  objections  as  coffee,  although  black  tea  can  gene- 
rally be  used  with  safety,  while  green  tea  is  decidedly 
objectionable.  Cold  water  is  a  very  excellent  substitute 
for  either. 

Chocolate  is  a  pleasant  drink,  preferable  to  either  tea 
or  coffee,  when  there  is  no  disease  of  the  stomach  or  ab- 
domen. Milk  is  highly  nutritious,  but  to  persons  of  ple- 
thoric habit  it  had  better  be  in  a  great  measure  avoided. 


BATHING,    ITS.  DIFFERENT    VARIETIES    AND    USES.          531 

Exercise  is  highly  important  to  the  health  of  the  or- 
gans and  the  process  of  digestion.  But  vigorous  violent 
exercise  should  not  be  indulged  in  immediately  before  or 
immediately  after  a  meal,  for  in  either  case  the  harm 
would  be  far  greater  than  any  benefit  which  might  re- 
sult. Exercise  should  be  active,  to  a  certain  extent  in 
the  out-door  air,  and  as  regular  as  possible.  Violent 
fatigue  should  of  course  be  avoided,  the  exercise  being 
gradually  increased  as  the  strength  will  bear  it.  Per- 
sons accustomed  to  a  sedentary  life  should  at  certain 
hours  exercise  the  whole  system.  Among  children  play- 
ing at  ball,  dancing,  or  jumping  the  rope,  are  pleasant 
recreations,  while  among  adults,  riding,  swimming,  walk- 
ing, fencing  and  dumb-bells  are  equally  serviceable. 
In  this  way  all  the  organs  are  kept  active  and  full  of 
vitality,  the  mind  also  is  clear  and  capable  of  greater 
labor,  and  the  body  more  robust,  better  proportioned 
and  capable  of  greater  exertion. 

BATHING,    ITS    DIFFERENT    VARIETIES   AND    USES. 

The  best  time  for  bathing  is  undoubtedly  in  the  morn- 
ing on  getting  out  of  bed  or  two  or  three  hours  after 
breakfast.  Simple  ablution  or  any  form  of  cold  bathing 
should  be  followed  by  rubbing  and  exercise.  In  a 
swimming  or  tub-bath  it  is  best  to  remain  for  only  a 
short  time.  Unless  reaction  comes  on,  and  a  warm  glow 
is  established,  shortly  after  any  of  the  varieties  of  bath- 
ing, cold  bathing  is  producing  more  injury  than  good, 
and  should  therefore  be  discontinued  and  tepid  water 
substituted  in  its  place.  By  gradually  decreasing  its 
temperature,  the  system  will  soon  become  accustomed  to 
cold  water.  In  the  winter  season  it  is  best  to  have  the 
room  slightly  warmed,  unless  the  ablution  be  quickly 
done,  when  it  may  be  performed  in  the  cold.  Bathing, 
when  followed  by  fullness  of  the  head,  should  for  the 


532  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

time,  be  suspended,  or  warm  water  substituted.  As 
different  forms  of  bathing  are  often  advisable  both  in 
health  and  disease,  and  as  we  shall  hereafter  have  fre- 
quent occasion  to  refer  to  water  applications,  we  will 
enumerate  some  of  them  here. 

SHOWER  BATHS. — These  are  often  most  refreshing  and 
highly  advantageous.  If  the  proper  materials  be  not  at 
hand  for  constructing  one,  the  contents  of  a  watering- 
pot  poured  over  the  body  from  a  distance  of  three  or 
four  feet  will  answer  every  purpose.  It  acts  as  a  gentle 
shock  upon  the  skin  and  nervous  system,  and  stimulates 
them  to  the  performance  of  their  duty.  When  the 
shock  is  too  great  it  can  be  taken  tepid. 

SITTING-BATHS  (Sitz-baths). — A  tub,  or  better  still,  a 
bath  prepared  for  the  purpose,  made  of  tin  or  wood, 
sufficiently  large,  that  when  a  person  is  seated,  the  wa- 
ter shall  come  up  around  the  hips  to  the  navel,  is  all 
that  is  required.  During  the  bath  the  upper  as  well  as 
the  lower  part  of  the  body  should  remain  covered,  while 
the  abdomen  is  rubbed  with  a  woolen  cloth  to  increase 
the  action  of  the  skin.  The  temperature  should  gene- 
rally be  from  fifty  to  sixty  degrees,  and  the  bath  con- 
tinued from  five  to  twenty  minutes.  The  best  time  for 
taking  it  is  an  hour  before  dinner  or  on  going  to  bed. 
They  are  particularly  serviceable  in  derangement  of  or- 
gans about  the  loins,  of  the  hepatic  viscera,  and  to  re- 
lieve a  tendency  to  congestion,  in  some  of  the  upper 
parts  of  the  body. 

THE  DROP-BATH. — In  this  bath  single  drops  of  water 
are  allowed  to  fall  a  distance  of  five  or  six  feet.  It 
should  not  be  used  on  any  vital  part,  and  seldom  con- 
tinued more  than  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  It  is  fre- 
quently of  great  service  in  chronic  and  obstinate  para- 
lysis. Active  friction  should  be  made  over  the  part  be- 
tween the  drops. 

THE  DoiriiK. — In   this  bath  a  small  stream  of  water, 


BATHING,    ITS    DIFFERENT    VARIETIES    AND    USES.          533 

of  a  calibre  of  from  half  an  inch  to  four  or  five  inches, 
is  permitted  to  fall  from  five  to  twenty  feet,  according 
to  circumstances,  upon  the  body.  The  stream  should 
not  be  permitted  to  fall  perpendicularly  on  the  head, 
chest,  region  of  liver,  or  spine.  At  first  it  would  be 
better  that  it  should  fall  so  as  to  flow  over  the  neck  and 
spine,  after  which  other  parts  of  the  body  may  be  ex- 
posed to  it,  particularly  the  part  affected.  It  should  not 
be  taken  after  a  full  meal,  when  fatigued,  or  in  a  state 
of  perspiration.  The  length  of  time  which  it  may  be 
taken  may  be  from  one  to  ten  minutes,  and  should  be 
followed  by  active  exercise.  The  douche  is  a  powerful 
stimulant,  but  great  caution  should  be  exercised  in  its 
use.  Very  weak  or  nervous  persons  should  avoid  it. 

WET  BANDAGES. — The  local  application  of  cold  water 
is  of  two  kinds,  viz.  when  we  wish  to  produce  a  cooling 
effect,  or  warmth  and  sweating.  In  the  former  case,  as 
in  inflammation  of  the  brain,  several  thicknesses  of 
cloth  wrung  out  in  ice-cold  water  should  be  applied  to 
the  head,  the  cloth  frequently  changed,  so  that  the  parts 
are  kept  constantly  cool.  If  the  cloths  are  allowed  to 
become  warm,  the  result  is  worse  than  if  they  had  not 
been  applied ;  a  still  better  application,  is  a  beef-bladder 
filled  with  pounded  ice.  When  warmth  or  sweating  is 
required  as  in  derangement  of  the  abdomen,  stomach, 
throat,  &c.  a  bandage  or  napkin,  should  be  wrung  out  in 
cold  water,  applied  upon  the  part  diseased,  ana  covered 
with  a  dry  bandage.  The  warmth  of  the  body  soon 
warms  the  wet  bandage,  and  the  heat  being  confined  by 
the  external  dry  bandage,  the  result  is  a  most  soothing 
and  excellent  form  of  sweating  poultice.  In  referring 
to  this  sweating  application  of  water  in  the  following 
pages,  we  shaL  speak  of  it  as  "the  wet  bandage." 

WET  SHEET. — This  application  of  water  is  often  highly 
serviceable  in  febrile  diseases.  Two  or  three  blankets 
are  spread  on  a  mattress,  and  over  these  is  spread  a  linen 


534  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

sheet  dipped  in  cold  water  and  wrung  out  as  dry  as  pos- 
sible. The  patient,  divested  of  clothing,  is  now  placed 
on  the  sheet,  which  is  then  carefully  folded  around  as 
well  as  the  blankets  that  had  been  spread  on  the  mat- 
tress. Cold  applications  should  be  made  to  the  head  if 
there  be  a  tendency  of  fullness  there.  In  acute  cases 
the  applications  should  be  changed  according  to  the  de- 
gree of  heat,  every  quarter  or  half  hour  until  the  dry 
and  hot  skin  becomes  softer  and  cooler;  after  each  ap- 
plication the  body  should  be  washed  with  cold  or  tepid 
water.  In  chronic 'cases  the  patient  may  remain  in  the 
sheet  a  much  longer  time.  This  application  may  either 
be  made  to  the  whole  or  part  of  the  body. 

SULPHUR  BATHS. — The  sulphur  vapor-bath  is  some- 
times indicated  in  cutaneous  and  rheumatic  persons. 
When  a  regular  vapor-bath  cannot  be  had  a  contrivance 
can  be  fixed  which  will  answer  very  well.  An  old  chair 
can  be  taken  with  simply  a  narrow  board  across  for  the 
seat.  Upon  this  let  the  patient  be  seated.  A  blanket 
may  then  be  placed  about  the  patient  tight  at  the  throat 
but  permitted  to  fall  loosely  about  the  person  to  the 
floor.  Underneath  the  chair  may  be  placed  a  small  tub 
of  warm  water  and  directly  over  this  may  be  held  a  hot 
shovel  upon  which  has  been  thrown  some  powdered  sul- 
phur. Now  throw  some  hot  stones  into  the  water.  The 
steam  arising  from  the  water  mingling  with  that  of  the 
the  heated  sulphur,  and  all  prevented  from  escaping  by 
the  blanket,  gives  a  very  good  sulphur  vapor-bath. 

Cold,  tepid  and  vapor-baths,  either  applied  to  the 
whole  or  part  of  the  body,  as  well  as  the  plunge  and 
swimming  baths,  are  all  highly  serviceable  under  certain 
circumstances  and  conditions  of  the  system.  Bathing 
apparatus  should  be  found  in  every  private  dwelling, 
and  particularly  in  public  schools;  a  good  bath  to  a  rest- 
less child,  who  either  cannot  or  will  not  confine  his  mind 
to  his  studies,  will  often  soothe  the  system  quicker,  and 


INFLUENCE    OP   THE    MIND  ON   DISEASE.  535 

invigorate  the  mind  far  better,  than  prosy  lectures  or 
any  form  of  punishment 

INFLUENCE    OF   THE    MIND    ON   DISEASE. 

The  sympathy  between  body  and  mind,  and  the  in- 
fluence exerted  by  one  over  the  other,  we  know  exists 
to  a  very  great  extent.  A  man  perplexed  and  annoyed 
about  business-matters,  which  may  be  a  little  out  of  the 
regular  course  of  his  affairs,  is  very  liable  to  feel  the 
effect  in  some  physical  derangement.  Cases  are  every 
day  occurring  where  persons  unfortunate  in  business,  see- 
ing the  fruits  of  years  swept  away  in  some  financial  cri- 
sis, or  disappointed  in  domestic  relations,  finding  friends 
false,  the  sanctuary  of  home  outraged,  or  perhaps  the 
young,  lifting  the  cup  of  love,  bright  and  sparkling  with 
joy  to  their  lips,  only  to  see  it  dashed  to  the  earth  and 
shattered  at  their  feet,  or  feeling  in  the  orange  blossoms 
of  the  wedding  wreath  the  sting  of  the  asp  and  the  poi- 
son of  death,  in  every  circle  of  life,  in  every  grade  of  so- 
ciety, these  fearful  blows  are  followed  by  slow  decline, 
rapid  and  prostrating  disease,  the  maniac  shrieks,  or  an 
early  death.  On  many  a  marble  monument,  and  on 
many  a  simple  gravestone,  might  with  truth  be  traced: 
"Ditd  of  a  broken  heart? 

Could  we  tear  away  the  veil  which  hides  the  working 
of  the  mind  from  outward  gaze, — and  thank  God  we 
cannot, — how  many  bleeding  hearts  we  should  find, 
hearts  crushed  and  broken,  withering  away  beneath  a 
grief  more  terrible  than  death  itself.  How  the  painful 
cause  would  flash  upon  us  with  the  brightness  of  noon- 
day, of  many  a  death,  where  disease  was  rapid,  defying 
medical  skill,  or  where,  as  in  slow  decline,  the  poor  vic- 
tim sweetly  faded  away,  or  where  the  last  breath  was 
drawn  when  the  light  and  breath  of  heaven  came  in 
through  the  grated  windows  of  the  home  of  the  insane. 


536  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF  DISEASE. 

Intense  grief,  freely  indulged,  is  very  liable  to  under- 
mine the  constitution,  and  also  bring  on  severe  and  pain- 
ful forms  of  disease.  Intense  grief  has  in  a  single  night 
blanched  the  blackest  hair  to  a  snowy  white.  Often- 
times the  death  of  a  loved  companion,  an  idolized  child, 
seems  to  change  entirely  the  current  of  life,  and  wither 
the  frame,  as  if  it  had  been  exposed  to  the  poisonous 
breath  of  the  upas. 

There  are  innumerable  cases  on  record,  where  persons 
have  died  from  the  effect  of  fear  alone.  The  history  of 
every  pestilence  or  epidemic  shows  that  in  thousands  of 
cases  the  disease  has  been  induced  by  fear.  In  the  se. 
venteenth  century,  when  the  plague  ravaged  London, 
carrying  off  its  victims  by  thousands,  and  turning  the 
city  into  a  vast  charnel-house,  simply  looking  on  a  per- 
son on  whom  the  plague-spot  had  made  its  appearance 
was  considered  almost  a  sure  passport  to  the  grave. 
Terror  and  consternation  filled  the  minds  of  nearly  all, 
and  thousands  died  whose  lives  might  have  been  spared 
had  they  not  given  way  to  useless  fears. 

An  Eastern  writer  illustrates  the  effect  of  fear  in  a 
very  beautiful  and  striking  manner.  "A  traveler  ap- 
proaching the  gates  of  a  city,  beheld  entering  in  a  pesti- 
lence, and  thus  accosted  it:  Whither  are  you  going? 
Into  the  city,  replied  the  pestilence,  to  destroy  three 
thousand  lives,  and  sternly  passed  in  to  fulfil  his  fearful 
mission.  The  traveler  paused,  and  soon  from  the  city 
was  heard  the  death  cry,  the  wailings  of  friends  for 
friends,  and  from  the  gates  were  carried  forth  thousands 
of  corpses  and  hurriedly  placed  beneath  the  ground. 
Finally  the  traveler  beheld  the  pestilence  stalking  forth, 
and  said,  why  have  you  exceeded  your  mission,  and  de- 
stroyed thirty  thousand  lives  instead  of  three  thousand. 
I  have  destroyed  but  three  thousand,  was  the  reply — 
fear  has  done  the  rest." 

It  was  common  for  those  who  perished  by  violence  to 


INFLUENCE    OF   THE    MIND    ON    DISEASE.  537 

summon  their  destroyers  to  appear  within  a  stated  time 
before  the  tribunal  of  God,  and  the  guilty  ones  in  many 
instances  have  withered  away  and  died  as  speadily  as 
if  smitten  by  the  breath  of  a  pestilence.  Pestilence 
does  not  kill  with  the  rapidity  of  terror.  The  abbess  of 
a  convent  the  Princess  Conzaga,  and  the  Archbishop  of 
Rheims,  for  a  jest  visited  one  of  the  nuns  and  exhorted 
her  as  a  person  visibly  dying.  While  in  the  perform- 
ance of  their  scheme,  they  whispered  to  each  other, 
"  she  is  just  departing."  She  departed  in  earnest,  and 
the  guilty  pair  discovered  in  the  midst  of  their  sport, 
they  were  making  merry  over  a  corpse.  In  France, 
several  physicians  obtained  leave  of  government  to  ex- 
periment on  a  criminal  who  had  just  been  condemned 
to  death.  The  criminal  gladly  availed  himself  of  the 
privilege  of  being  bled  to  death  instead  of  being  exe- 
cuted in  public.  He  was  placed  in  a  chair,  his  eyes 
blind-folded,  his  arm  slightly  pricked  with  a  pin,  and  a 
slight  jet  of  water  so  directed,  as  to  fall  on  his  arm, 
thence  trickling  down  to  fall  into  a  basin  prepared 
for  the  purpose.  The  physicians  then  conversed  together 
on  the  tragic  symptoms,  stated  the  amount  of  blood  in 
the  body,  the  quantity  he  had  lost,  and  the  length  of 
time  he  would  probably  be  in  dying.  In  the  mean  time 
the  breathing  of  the  victim  gradually  became  fainter, 
and  in  a  few  moments  he  expired,  without  having  lost 
one  drop  of  blood.  Montaigne  tells  of  a  man,  who  was 
pardoned  on  the  scaffold,  and  was  found  to  have  expired 
while  awaiting  the  stroke. 

Despair  produces  a  very  strong  impression  on  the 
mind,  and  thus  on  the  system,  and  often  either  drives  a 
person  to  idiocy,  madness,  or  a  speedy  death.  Almost 
every  physician  occasionally  meets  cases  in  his  practice, 
when  through  the  injudicious  words  of  friends,  or  a 
variety  of  other  causes,  all  hope  vanishes  in  the  patient's 
mind,  and  in  utter  despair  he  calmly  waits  what  seems 
23* 


538  HYGIENE    AND   THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

to  him  an  inevitable  doom.  Even  though  it  may  be  at 
the  turning-point  of  the  disease,  when  a  feather's  weight 
may  turn  the  scale  for  life  or  death,  if  he  sees  around 
him  hopeful  countenances,  and  hears  words  of  encou- 
ragement, new  life  may  be  infused  into  his  lagging  pulse, 
and  he  called  back  from  the  verge  of  the  grave  on 
which  he  was  trembling. 

Keep  the  lamp  of  hope  burning  brightly,  unless  all 
ground  for  hope  is  over. 

The  influence  of  the  mind  on  the  system  is,  as  we 
have  already  seen,  all-powerful,  tormenting  existence, 
bringing  on  and  hastening  disease  and  death,  or  where 
exerted  for  good,  smoothing  the  rough  pathway  of  life, 
and  imparting  health,  vigor  and  harmony  to  the  whole 
system. 

We  cannot  look  for  health  and  happiness  without  har- 
mony, and  this  can  only  exist  where  there  is  a  beautiful 
blending  of  the  moral,  the  intellectual,  and  the  physi- 
cal, and  where  man  is  in  harmony  with  nature,  with  his 
own  being,  and  thus  with  God. 

HEREDITARY   TAINT   AND    PREDISPOSITION    TO    DISEASE. 

Many  a  child  is  born  tainted  with  disease.  The  foun- 
tains of  life  are  corrupted  in  the  mother's  womb,  and 
the  young  being  is  ushered  into  the  world  with  the 
seeds  of  disease  and  future  suffering  planted  deeply 
within  its  system.  Disease  thus  communicated  from 
parent  to  child,  is  called  hereditary.  Let  us  glance  at 
some  few  of  those  difficulties,  which  may  as  a  general 
thing  be  classed  under  this  head.  We  will  first  notice, 
that  wide-wasting  disease  found  in  all  classes  of  society, 
and  which  is  at  the  root  of  a  vast  amount  of  chronic 
difficulties,  viz.  the  class  of  affections  popularly  known 
as  scrofula,  but  which  Hahnemann  might  call  psora, 
Ilufeland  dyscrasy,  but  by  modern  science  is  more  cor- 
rectly termed  tuberculosis.  We  shall  use  the  latter 


HEREDITARY    TAINT.  539 


term  in  the  few  remarks  we  have  to  make  of  this  class 
of  affections. 

Tuberculosis  revels  in  the  human  family  to  an  extent 
but  little  dreamed  of  by  many.  Obscuring  its  origin 
and  masking  its  real  character  in  a  hundred  forms, 
thousands,  even  when  its  seeds  are  rapidly  ripening 
within  them,  have  not  the  least  idea  of  the  real  character 
and  cause  of  their  sufferings.  It  manifests  its  terrible 
effects  in  the  early  months  of  foetal  existence,  and  causes 
those  spontaneous  abortions,  which  destroy  one  quarter 
of  those  affected,  before  they  see  the  light.  After  birth 
it  frequently  arrests  their  physical  and  moral  develop- 
ment, and  becoming  complicated  with  various  diseases, 
renders  the  period  of  infancy  and  youth  full  of  dangers. 

Sometimes  it  affects  particularly  the  v  mucous  mem- 
brane, and  frequently  extends  its  effects  to  the  mucous 
system  generally.  Hence  arise  ophthalmia,  catarrh,  af- 
fections of  the  ears,  leucorrhrea,  intestinal  worms,  mu- 
cous fevers,  &c.  Sometimes  it  attacks  the  skin  and  pro- 
duces chilblains  in  the  hands,  feet,  and  face;  chronic 
eruptions  of  the  lips,  eyelids,  and  ears;  pustules  of 
various  forms  scattered  over  the  face,  forehead,  and 
chest,  and  ulcers  more  or  less  numerous  and  extensive. 

Sometimes  it  acts  particularly  on  the  cellular  tissue, 
and  produces  numerous  abscesses  and  profuse  suppu- 
ration. If  it  fixes  itself  on  the  osseous  system,  caries, 
and  softening  of  the  bones  are  among  the  effects  pro- 
duced. Many  of  the  bones  may  be  affected  at  the  same 
time,  and,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  the  whole  skeleton 
shows  the  presence  of  the  disease.  All  these  varieties 
of  affections,  so  apparently  dissimilar  in  their  character, 
are  notwithstanding  traceable  to  the  same  origin  and 
the  same  cause.  It  may,  as  we  have  before  stated,  be 
developed  in  one  patient  in  the  mucous  system,  in  another 
in  the  cellular,  and  in  a  third,  in  the  bony  skeleton,  pre- 
senting of  course  a  different  appearance  in  each. 


540  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 


Tuberculosis,  developing  itself  in  the  lungs,  the  brain, 
the  stomach,  the  bowels,  and  in  fact  in  every  part  of  the 
system,  for  there  is  no  tissue  or  organ  into  which  it  may 
not  infuse  its  poison,  is  the  most  fearful  destroyer  of 
human  life,  which  has  ever  cursed  the  world.  Lifting 
its  head  in  almost  every  clime,  infusing  its  poison  in 
every  class  of  society,  not  the  plague  with  its  unnum- 
bered victims,  or  the  pestilence  with  its  heaps  of  dead, 
can  compare  with  it  in  destruction  of  human  life. 

Wherever  we  find  this  disease,  in  its  various  modifi- 
cations and  developments,  whether  we  see  it  in  loath- 
some sores,  or  in  the  slow  or  rapid  wasting  away  of  con- 
sumption, in  blindness,  deafness,  or  caries  of  the  bones, 
we  can  as  a  general  thing,  though  not  in  every  case, 
trace  it  back  to  hereditary  taint. 

Notwithstanding  the  parents  themselves  may  have 
been  apparently  healthy,  showing  no  traces  of  tuber- 
culosis or  a  consumptive  tendency,  yet  if  we  go  back 
two  or  three  generations,  we  find  traces  of  it,  or  some  affec- 
ftion,  which  will  produce  it,  in  some  branch  of  the  family. 
It  is  very  common  for  it  to  have  overleaped  apparently, 
one,  two,  or  even  three  generations,  and  develop  itself  in 
all  its  virulence  in  the  unhappy  victims,  whose  parents 
may,  as  they  think,  have  escaped. 

Among  the  causes  of  hereditary  tuberculosis  we  may 
place  syphilitic  taint.  Several  tuberculous  diseases 
greatly  resemble  syphilitic  maladies.  The  parent  who 
has  contracted  syphilis,  and  believes  himself  entirely 
cured,  may  through  error  of  treatment  still  retain  in  his 
system,  apparently  dormant,  some  portion  of  the  poison, 
which  may  be  transmitted  to  his  offspring  in  the  form 
of  hereditary  tuberculosis.  Thus,  the  parent,  in  his 
thoughtless  folly,  while  running  his  giddy  round  of 
youthful  dissipation,  digs  the  grave  of  his  child,  poi- 
sons its  happiness,  and  in  following  it  to  an  early  grave, 
or  gazing  on  its  weak,  puny  and  diseased  form,  reaps  a 


HEREDITARY    TAINT.  541 


bitter  harvest  for  his  early  sin.  Oh,  how  fearfully  do 
children  suffer  for  a  parent's  sins. 

Abuse  of  venereal  pleasures  is  another  cause  of  tuber- 
culous children.  Instances  are  by  no  means  rare,  parti- 
cularly among  the  higher  classes  of  society,  where  from 
the  manner  of  living,  an  artificial  excitement  usurps  the 
place  of  the  natural,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the  off- 
spring are  weak  and  puny. 

The  too  early  marriages,  so  common  both  among  the 
rich  and  poor,  is  a  fruitful  cause  of  hereditary  tuber- 
culosis. For  a  man  to  beget  healthy  children,  he  must 
have  passed  somewhat  beyond  the  age  of  puberty,  and 
acquired  fully  his  strength  and  development.  These 
early  marriages,  where  the  bride  is  taken  from  the 
parental  home  at  a  time  when  she  most  needs  a  mother's 
care,  or  the  bridegroom  perhaps  is  a  mere  boy,  are  per- 
fectly suicidal,  and  can  only  result  in  the  broken  con- 
stitution and  feeble  health  of  the  mother,  or  at  least, 
in  weak  and  puny  children.  The  inevitable  consequen- 
ces of  these  premature  marriages  are  more  to  be  dreaded 
when  men,  who  have  married  too  young,  have  previous- 
ly led  dissipated  lives,  passing,  as  it  were  through  a 
period  of  fifty  years  in  sixteen. 

If  too  early  a  marriage  has  a  tendency  to  produce  dis- 
eased children,  so  also  has  a  marriage  contracted  too 
late  in  life,  when  also  the  reproductive  power  is  deficient 
in  vigor. 

Unfortunately,  men  frequently  live,  until  they  are 
forty-five  or  fifty,  before  marriage,  and  are  then  connected 
with  those  much  younger  than  themselves.  The  con- 
sequence, as  a  general  thing,  is  feeble  children,  who 
often  die  prematurely. 

A  considerable  disproportion  between  the  ages  of 
parents  is  another  fruitful  cause  not  only  of  tuberculous 
offspring,  but  of  ill  health  on  the  part  of  one  of  the 
parents.  In  a  judicious  marriage,  there  should  be  but 


542  HYGIENE    AND    THE    C  \USES    OF    DISEASE. 

a  very  few  years  difference  between  the  ages  of  the 
parties.  Old  age  cannot  wed  with  youth  with  the 
expectation  of  vigorous  and  healthy  offspring,  any  more 
than  winter  can  mingle  with  summer.  Flowers  look 
sickly  and  are  chilled  by  winter,  and  so  is  youth,  when 
united  to  age.  The  young  should  not  sleep  with  the 
old,  though  the  difference  in  age  may  not  be  more  than 
fifteen  or  twenty  years,  for  the  vital  power  in  the  young 
is  rapidly  exhausted  by  the  old.  For  the  same  reason 
the  cold  and  phlegmatic  temperament  should  not  sleep 
with  one  of  warm  and  nervous  temperament,  for  a 
similar  result  is  produced.  The  manifest  difference  in 
age,  temperament,  and  constitution,  where  the  parties 
are'  placed  in  so  close  a  relation,  is  pregnant  with  dis- 
astrous results  to  the  weak  and  young,  and  also,  if  the 
parties  are  married,  to  their  offspring. 

Marriage  should  never  take  place  between  relations, 
unless  the  connection  is  very  remote,  for  by  such  a  union 
tuberculous  taint  existing  in  one,  would  be  likely  to  be 
found  in  both,  and  the  result  would  be  a  frightful  har- 
vest of  disease  in  their  children.  Not  for  this  reason 
only,  but  the  marriage  of  relatives,  will  of  itself  often  be 
sufficient  to  develop  in  their  children  tuberculous  dis- 
ease, weakness  of  mind,  and  even  idiocy.  Hence  the 
repeated  intermarriages  of  some  of  the  royal  fami- 
lies in  Europe  has  produced  among  them  a  variety  of 
tuberculous  affections,  together,  sometimes  with  insanity, 
weakness  of  mind,  and  almost  idiocy. 

This  disease  is,  as  we  have  already  stated,  generally 
hereditary,  although  it  is  sometimes  the  result  of 
moisture,  bad  air  and  food,  changes  of  temperature,  and 
also  sometimes  follows  measles,  small-pox  and  hooping- 
cough.  Cases  are  by  no  means  rare  in  this  changeable 
climate,  when  it  is  developed  in  those  whose  ancestral 
blood  has  been  untaited  with  the  disease,  as  far  back  as 
they  can  trace.  Persons  of  robust  and  strong  consti- 


HEREDITARY    TAINT.  543 


tutions,  showing  no  predisposition  to  consumption,  have 
fallen  victims  to  it  from  undue  exposure  to  changes  of 
temperature  or  too  violent  exertion  of  the  chest. 

Notwithstanding  tuberculosis,  as  a  general  thing,  is 
hereditary,  we  should  be  very  sorry  to  believe,  that  the 
descendants  of  a  family,  in  whose  systems  are  lurking 
the  seeds  of  this  poison,  must  necessarily  be  tainted, 
generation  after  generation,  that  there  is  no  escape,  no 
dispersing  the  dark  cloud,  which  hangs  like  a  pall  over 
their  future.  If  this  were  the  case,  it  would  indeed  be 
a  curse  so  dark  and  fearful,  that  the  poor  victims  might 
well  pray  for  death. 

But  this  is  not  the  case.  By  a  proper  marriage,  a 
marriage  in  which  enlightened  reason  shall  be  called 
into  action  and  not  blind  passion,  a  passing  fancy,  or 
pecuniary  interest,  and  where  in  the  physical  and  men- 
tal education  and  training  of  the  children  from  the  time 
of  their  birth,  there  is  brought  to  bear  a  clear  enlight- 
ened mind,  and  a  proper  understanding  of  the  laws  of 
health,  I  see  no  reason  why  such  children  may  not  be 
healthy  and  in  the  course  of  one  or  two  generations  all 
predisposition  to  the  disease  be  removed. 

A  person  of  consumptive  habit,  marrying  one  of  tu- 
berculous diathesis,  will  be  pretty  sure  to  give  birth 
to  tuberculous  children. 

In  selecting  a  partner  for  life,  fitness  of  mind  and 
disposition  are  not  the  only  things  to  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration. There  is  another  question  quite  as  impor- 
tant, and  that  is  healthy,  predisposition  to  disease,  and 
the  prospect  of  having  healthy  children,  for  all  on  en- 
tering the  marriage  state  expect,  sooner  or  later,  to 
become  parents. 

These  are  questions  of  vast  importance,  and  should 
not  be  lightly  answered.  Many  a  young  mother  after 
having  given  birth  in  rapid  succession  to  several  chil- 
dren, is  called  on  to  follow  her  husband  to  the  grave, 


544  HYGIENE    AND   THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

and  weep  in  widowhood  over  blighted  hopes,  and  i'eel 
that  for  years  her  existence  must  be  a  prolonged 
struggle  to  obtain  the  necessaries  of  life  for  her  helpless 
children.  Many  a  father  looks  upon  children  weak  and 
puny,  and  follows  his  wife  to  the  grave  at  a  time, 
when  they  most  need  a  mother's  care,  and  he  the  com- 
fort and  solace  of  a  wife. 

And  yet  in  the  selection  of  a  wife  or  husband,  how 
little  attention  is  paid  to  health,  physical  development 
and  the  probability,  that  in  two  or  three  years  they  will 
not  be  separated  by  death. 

We  have  seen  in  the  investigation  of  this  subject,  that 
tuberculosis  is  developed  not  alone,  as  is  sometimes  sup- 
posed, in  the  chest  in  the  form  of  pulmonary  consump- 
tion, but  i»  every  part  of  the  system,  and  in  an  hundred 
forms. 

Among  the  other  forms  of  disease,  to  which  there  may 
be  an  hereditary  predisposition,  we  have  only  space  to 
mention  gouty  and  rheumatic  difficulties. 

MORAL,    INTELLECTUAL,   AND  PHYSICAL    EDUCATION. 

The  harmonious  blending,  and  proper  education  and 
training  of  this  "  trinity"  of  our  being  is  essential  not 
only  to  health  and  happiness,  but  to  true  greatness.  The 
name  of  Washington,  of  Ho  ward,  and  Hahnemann  stand 
out  in  bold  relief  as  glorious  examples  of  the  truth  of 
this  principle. 

There  have  been  more  powerful  intellects  than  Wash- 
ington's, more  wily  and  skilful  diplomatists,  minds  more 
skilled  in  conceiving  and  arranging  the  minutia  of  war, 
more  quick  and  rapid  amid  the  thunder  and  carnage  of 
the  battle-field,  but  never  did  there  exist  a  purer  patriot, 
or  one  in  whom  self  was  more  quickly  and  sternly  sacri- 
ficed to  his  country's  weal.  Never  since  our  Saviour,  did 
there  exist  one  in  whom  the  patriot,  the  philanthropist, 
the  Christian  and  the  statesman  were  so  beautifully 


MORAL,    INTELLECTUAL,    AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION.       545 

blended.  Had  Napoleon  added  to  his  daring  genius, 
his  almost  superhuman  intellect,  the  moral  force  of 
Washington,  the  down-trodden  nations  of  Europe  might 
not  now  gaze  in  silent  horror,  as  the  blood  of  their 
purest  patriots  streams  from  the  scaffold,  and  the  last 
scene  of  his  eventful  life  might  have  closed  more  bright- 
ly, than  in  his  ocean-girt  prison. 

True  greatness  consists,  not  in  the  powerful  develop- 
ment of  any  one  faculty  of  the  mind  without  regard  to 
the  others,  but  in  the  harmonious  blending  of  all,  to  en- 
sure which,  the  moral,  the  intellectual,  and  physical 
must  be  properly  trained  and  educated.  The  great  les- 
sons of  life  are  to  be  taught  in  childhood,  and  those 
principles  inculcated,  which  will  grow  and  expand  into 
a  ripe  harvest  of  honor  and  usefulness. 

But  this  preparation  for  the  training  of  the  child 
should  date  previous  to  its  birth,  as  a  lasting  impression 
is  produced  upon  it,  by  the  health  of  the  father  as  well 
as  the  mother  at  the  time  of  conception.  The  child  is 
often  punished  and  made  to  suffer  keenly  in  the  early 
days  of  its  childhood  for  faults  inherited  directly  from 
the  parents.  The  health  of  the  mother,  the  tone  of  her 
mind,  her  feelings,  tastes,  and  pursuits,  during  the  time 
she  is  carrying  her  child,  are  all-important  to  the  future 
condition  of  the  unborn  babe. 

Dr.  Gregory,  in  speaking  of  the  influence  of  the  pa- 
rental stock^  says :  "  Parents  frequently  live  over  again 
in  their  offspring,  for  children  certainly  resemble  their 
parents  not  merely  in  countenance  and  bodily  confor- 
mation, but  in  the  general  features  of  their  minds  and 
in  both  virtues  and  vices.  Thus,  the  imperious  Clau- 
dian  family  long  flourished  in  Rome ;  unrelenting,  cruel 
and  despotic,  it  produced  the  merciless  and  detestible 
tyrant  Tiberius,  and  at  length  ended,  after  a  course  of 
six  hundred  years,  in  the  bloody  Caligula,  Claudius, 
and  Agrippina,  and  then  in  the  monster  Nero."  And 


546  HYGIENE    AND   THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

thus  we  frequently  see  the  vices  and  follies  of  the  parents 
flourishing  in  luxuriant  growth  in  the  child. 

When  speaking  of  hereditary  taint,  I  referred  parti- 
cularly to  the  diseases  developed,  and  sufferings  pro- 
duced by  improper  marriages.  Even  in  our  northern 
clime,  nothing  is  more  common,  than  for  young  ladies 
to  enter  the  marriage-state  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  sixteen 
or  seventeen  years.  Not  only  unhealthy  children  are 
the  result  of  this  early  marriage,  but  as  a  general  thing, 
the  young  wife  is  totally  unfit  for  the  duties  and  respon- 
sibilities of  her  station.  What  does  she  know  of  life 
and  its  stern  duties,  which  all,  the  rich  and  kindly  nur- 
tured as  well  as  the  poor  and  lowly,  should  know  how 
to  fulfil?  She,  whose  form  has  scarcely  changed  to 
womanhood,  and  on  whose  cheek  still  lingers  the  down 
of  childhood,  where  has  she  learned  the  great  lesson  of 
life,  that  she  should  boldly  venture  out  on  the  untried 
ocean  before  her  ?  And  when  the  young  infant  lies  in 
her  arms,  a  pure  and  holy  thing,  whose  little  heart  beats 
quietly  in  happy  innocence,  can  she  take  it  by  the  hand 
and  lead  it  safely  past  those  quicksands,  which  are  so 
thickly  scattered  around  its  path  ?  And  then  the  mind, 
can  she  in  her  young  girlhood  direct  it  aright,  at  a 
period  when  its  whole  future  may  depend,  in  part  on 
her  guidance  ? 

Need  we  wonder,  as  we  look  around  upon  society,  and 
see  so  many  rash  and  foolish  marriages,  that  there  are 
so  many  stillborn  children,  that  so  many  of  the  rising 
generation  are  pale,  sickly,  and  feeble,  that  so  much  vice 
abounds,  that  the  peace  of  so  many  families  is  wrecked, 
that  so  many  children  are  left  motherless,  and  that  so 
many  young  mothers  are  placed  beneath  the  green  sod  ? 
What  else  could  we  expect  from  this  violation  of  the 
laws  of  their  being,  from  this  offering  themselves  on  the 
altar  of  fashion  and  blind  passion. 

The  gloomy  records  of  the  grave  show,  that  nearly 


MORAL,    INTELLECTUAL,    AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION.         547 


one-half  of  those  Lorn  into  the  world  perish  before 
reaching  the  age  of  five,  and  one-third  before  the  age 
of  three  years.  How  very  few  live  to  a  good  old  age, 
and  how  mighty  that  throng,  from  the  ranks  of  infancy, 
childhood,  and  middle  age,  who  follow  each  other  in 
rapid  succession  into  the  realms  of  death.  From  these 
periods  of  life  death  reaps  his  richest  harvest.  Among 
those,  who  bright  and  joyous  with  the  elasticity  of  youth 
and  vigor  of  manhood,  whose  brilliant  aspirations  seem 
about  being  realized,  death  scatters  his  shafts  and  the 
cold  waters  of  that  river  which  lies  between  us  and  the 
grave,  freezes  with  its  icy  current  the  warm  pulsations 
of  the  young  heart,  and  bears  onward  on  its  dark  bosom 
all  there  is  of  life  to  the  vast  ocean  of  eternity. 

Look  at  the  infant  in  its  mother's  arms,  what  does  it 
know  of  sin,  what  of  life,  and  how  has  it  transgressed 
against,  and  excited  the  anger  of  its  Maker  ?  And  the 
child,  surrounded  by  the  golden  haze  of  its  young  life, 
just  as  it  begins  to  delight  the  parent's  eye  and  gladden 
their  hearts  by  its  opening  beauties,  and  stir  within  them 
the  pure  and  holy  depths  of  an  affection,  which  none  but 
parents  can  feel ;  just  as  the  light  of  thought  begins  to 
gleam  from  the  bright  eye  and  set  its  impress  on  the 
expanding  brow,  the  bright  eye  becomes  dim,  the  flush- 
ed cheek  pale  as  marble,  the  whole  being  withers  be- 
neath a  blight,  which  stagnates  the  youthful  blood,  lays 
a  hand  of  ice  on  the  heaving  breast,  and  quenches  in 
the  darkness  of  death,  bright  hopes  and  glorious  aspi- 
rations. 

Why  is  it,  that  earth  is  thus  piled  with  the  graves  of 
the  young?  Why  is  it.  that  death  riots  and  revels  in 
the  haunts  of  childhood,  and  changes  the  joyous  prattle 
and  merry  laugh  of  innocence  to  the  wild  wail  of  deep 
and  bitter  agony  ? 

See  the  mother,  with  bleeding  heart,  clasping  in  deep 
and  untold  anguish  the  cold  and  pulseless  form  of  her 


648  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

child  to  her  heaving  bosom,  and  hear  her  murmur  with 
pallid  lips,  "my  child,  my  bright,  my  beautiful,  my 
loved  one,  how  can  I  give  you  up,  how  take  you  from 
my  warm  bosom  and  lay  you  in  the  cold,  dark,  damp 
grave."  And  the  father,  the  strong  man,  the  iron  will, 
he,  who  has  struggled  manfully  and  bared  himself  to 
the  stern  conflicts  of  life.  0 !  how  he  bends  now,  like 
a  broken  reed,  how  the  cold  drops  start  from  the  fore- 
head, as  he  gazes  with  glazed  eye,  and  in  speechless 
misery,  for  he  cannot  weep,  on  the  little  being,  cold 
and  pulseless  before  him. 

Hear  that  prayer,  which  daily  goes  up  from  thousands 
of  bleeding  hearts,  "oh  God!  let  this  bitter  cup  pass 
from  me" 

Glance  for  one  moment  at  this  misery,  at  this  deep 
anguish,  at  those  mourning  weeds,  at  these  sweet  buds 
nipped  by  the  frosts  of  death,  and  then  lift  your  eyes  in 
reverence  to  heaven,  and  say  if  you  can,  if  you  dare, 
"Thou,  oh  Father,  in  mercy,  kindness  and  love,  hast  done 
it  all.  Thou,  in  mercy  or  in  wrath,  hast  sent  thy  fearful 
messenger,  death,  through  the  earth  to  wither  with  his 
icy  breath,  the  brightest,  fairest  flowers  in  their  first 
bloom." 

The  doctrine  of  "Divine  Providence"  as  sometimes 
understood  at  the  present  day,  is  very  convenient  for 
physicians  to  hide  behind,  as  a  shield  for  their  ignorance, 
or  for  patients  or  friends  to  preach,  as  an  excuse  for  de- 
reliction from  duty. 

But  reflect  whether  you  are  not  blaspheming,  a  pure 
and  holy  God  by  charging  all  this  wo  and  misery  on 
him,  the  result  by  far  too  often,  of  your  own  ignorance, 
folly  or  wickedness. 

In  a  reverence  for  the  Supreme  Being,  and  in. a  firm 
belief  in  his  Providence,  I  yield  to  no  one,  but  my  soul 
shudders  and  sickens  at  the  proneness  of  the  human 
race,  while  madly  or  blindly  rushing  on  in  their  own 


MORAL,    INTELLECTUAL,    AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION        549 


way,  heedlessly  trampling  on  laws,  which  form  the  basis 
of  their  existence,  to  make  a  "Divine  Providence" 
accountable  for  the  result  of  their  own  disobedience. 
If  the  parents  had  been  properly  trained,  had  given 
way  to  no  dissipation  during  youth,  and  had  entered  the 
marriage-state  as  rational,  intelligent  beings,  might  not 
a  large  portion  of  this  disease  have  been  prevented? 
Cases  of  sickness  however  are  frequently  seen,  where 
there  has  been  no  known  disobedience  of  nature's  law, 
but  are  the  result  of  circumstances,  apparently  beyond 
our  control. 

We  can  lay  down  then  with  perfect  safety  this  broad 
principle. — 

If  the  human  race  were  properly  educated,  mentally  ^ 
morally,  and  physically,  and  would  follow  closely  the 
teachings  of  nature,  appealing  so  strongly  to  the  God 
implanted  reason  and  common-sense  within  them,  cul- 
tivating harmony  in  themselves  and  with  the  world,  not 
only  a  large  portion  of  disease  which  now  devastates 
the  earth  would  vanish,  but  we  should  have  a  race  in 
beauty  and  intellect  such  as  the  world  has  never  seen 
since  the  fall  of  man. 

The  influence  exerted  by  the  mother  on  the  child 
during  the  period  of  gestation,  the  general  rules  which 
should  regulate  her  habits,  as  well  as  the  treatment  of 
the  babe  during  the  first  few  months  of  infancy  will 
more  appropriately  come  under  the  head  of  ^  Affections 
of  women  and  children"  which  will  be  found  in  this 
work. 

Commencing  with  the  child  as  it  emerges  from  the 
nursery,  leaving  its  peculiar  diseases  and  training  during 
infancy,  for  another  chapter,  let  us  glance  at  some  of  the 
prominent  points  deserving  attention  not  only  during 
childhood,  but  amid  the  bustle,  the  stern  duties  and  ac- 
tive scenes  of  life. 

The  food  of  the  child  is  of  vast  importance.    It  should 


550  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF   DISEASE. 

be  plain,  simple,  nourishing  and  in  sufficient  variety  and 
quantity.  The  more  simple  its  preparation  the  better. 
Spices,  tea,  and  coffee,  rich  gravies  and  fatty  food  should 
be  avoided.  Pastry,  rich  cake,  and  confectionary  of  all 
kinds  should  form  no  part  of  its  diet.  Fruits  and  vege- 
tables, perfectly  ripe  and  fresh,  can  generally  be  eaten 
with  safety. 

Pure  air  and  cleanliness  are  at  no  time  more  impor- 
tant than  in  childhood.  The  rooms  and  bed  should  be 
well  aired  daily.  Feather  beds  are  as  injurious  to  chil- 
dren as  to  adults  and  should  therefore  be  avoided.  The 
clothing  should  be  loose,  to  give  ample  play  to  the  limbs 
and  muscles,  and  of  sufficient  warmth  to  ensure  comfort. 

Bathing  the  entire  body  every  day  should  also  be 
practiced,  the  temperature  being  guided  by  the  strength 
and  temperament  of  the  child.  (See  Bathing?)  Out- 
door exercise  in  the  open  air  is  absolutely  essential. 
There  are  a  hundred  harmless  and  innocent  sports  in 
childhood,  which  can  be  safely  indulged,  such  as,  play- 
ing at  ball,  jumping  the  rope,  skating,  swimming,  &c. 
Contrast  the  buoyant  and  elastic  step,  the  ruddy  cheek, 
the  sparkling  eye,  the  well  developed  form  of  the  boys 
and  girls  who  are  accustomed  to  vigorous  exercise  in 
the  open  air,  with  those  weak  and  puny  children  on 
whom  the  breath  of  heaven  is  scarcely  permitted  to 
blow. 

At  the  age  of  six  or  seven,  and  not  before,  by  which 
time  the  physical  system  should  have  received  a  fair 
start,  the  child  may  be  sent  to  school.  Previous  to  this 
period,  the  physical  should  be  developed,  and  its  teach- 
ers be,  the  mother  and  nature.  Learn  it  to  think,  incul- 
cate habits  of  observation,  and  when  studying  in  nature's 
temple,  check  not  with  a  careless  word  its  eager  ques- 
tionings. Let  the  great  book  of  nature'be  the  volume 
studied,  and  through  it  the  holy  principle  of  love  and 
beauty  so  strongly  stamped  on  every  page,  be  infused 


MORAL,    INTELLECTUAL,   AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION.       551 

into  the  mind  with  every  breath,  and  every  gaze  on  the 
bright  world  around. 

Sometimes  immense  harm  is  done  in  chaining  the 
young  mind,  at  too  early  an  age,  to  books  and  abstract 
rules.  The  physical  should  first  be  permitted  to  become 
strong  and  healthy,  or  at  least,  developed  to  such  an  ex- 
tent, that  the  mind  may  be  brought  into  activity  with 
safety.  You  will  find  in  almost  every  family,  at  least 
one  child,  that  gives  bright  promise  of  a  brilliant  future. 
The  parents,  in  the  pride  of  their  heart,  determine  it 
shall  win  a  glorious  name,  and  therefore,  instead  of  at 
first  holding  back  the  mental,  and  fostering  the  physical, 
preserving  a  healthy  equilibrium  between  them,  the 
mind  is  pushed  and  goaded  on,  its  pride  constantly 
flattered  by  praise,  until  the  brain  by  too  violent  exer- 
cise looses  its  elasticity,  and  sinks  into  a  state  of  dull- 
ness, or  like  the  mettled  courser,  goaded  on  by  the  spur, 
it  rouses  itself  for  a  new  effort,  and  then  falls  dead  on 
the  field.  Thus,  not  unfrequently,  is  the  pride  of  the 
parent  doomed  to  a  bitter  disappointment.  To  no  one 
is  out-door  exercise  more  absolutely  essential  to  health, 
than  the  student,  and  hence  swimming,  riding,  fencing, 
dancing,  and  those  gymnastic  exercises,  which  contribute 
so  much  to  health  and  to  a  proper  development  of  the 
form,  should  hold  a  conspicuous  rank  in  the  education 
of  all.  Look  into  our  colleges,  and  among  those  who 
study  hard,  and  take  but  little  care  of  their  bodily 
health,  and  you  will  see  pale  and  sickly  countenances, 
bent  forms,  sallow  or  hectic  cheeks,  with  disease  and 
death  stamped  upon  them  in  perfectly  legible  charac- 
ters. What  can  we  call  these  men,  who  thus  trample  on 
the  laws  of  their  being,  dig  their  own  graves,  and  write 
their  own  death  warrants,  but  madmen  and  suicides? 
What  can  they  expect  but  disease  and  death?  Unless 
the  machinery  of  the  body  be  kept  unclogged,  in  vi- 
gorous health,  and  each  part  perform  its  proper  func- 


552  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 


tions,  its  infirmities  will  tinge  with  a  sickly  and  un- 
healthy hue  the  strongest  mind  and  the  brightest  genius. 
To  have  a  healthy  mind,  there  must  be  a  healthy  body, 
and  with  both,  almost  any  purpose,  however  difficult, 
may  be  accomplished. 

In  female  education,  the  heart  should  be  educated  as 
well  as  the  head.  The  cold  and  selfish  reasoning  of 
fashion,  that  female  education  should  be  confined  to 
those  superficial  accomplishments  and  graces,  which 
will  enable  them  to  shine  in  the  drawing-room,  should 
be  denounced  in  the  strongest  terms.  These  accom- 
plishments are  very  well  in  their  place,  but  without  a 
solid  basis,  they  form  a  poor  support  in  the  stern  duties 
of  life.  The  time  may  come  when  they  will  require 
something  to  make  their  home  happy  and  their  life 
pleasant,  besides  a  superficial  knowledge  of  drawing  ac- 
complishments. They  should  be  taught  the  great  laws 
of  their  being,  and  the  duties  they  will  be  called  on  to 
fulfil  as  wives  and  mothers.  No  false  modesty  should 
prevent  their  understanding  thoroughly  those  great 
truths,  which  must  have  such  an  immense  influence  on 
their  future  happiness,  and  the  welfare  of  their  children. 

Equal  care  should  be  taken  of  the  physical  training 
as  in  the  other  sex,  and  out-door  exercise  is  of  quite  as 
much  importance.  Swimming,  skating,  riding,  dancing, 
walking,  and  those  other  exercises  which  give  ease  and 
freedom  to  the  movements,  and  strength,  elasticity  and 
health  to  the  whole  form,  should  occupy  a  certain  por- 
tion of  their  time. 

The  influence  exerted  on  the  child  beneath  the  pa- 
rental roof  is  as  enduring  as  life.  The  seed  planted 
then,  will  in  after  years  yield  a  ripe  harvest  of  good  or 
evil.  The  child  should  be  made  to  feel,  that  its  home 
is  the  purest,  sweetest  place  on  earth,  and  that  its  parents 
are  its  best  friends.  Above  all,  it  should  never  be  per- 
mitted to  witness  there,  wrangling,  disputing  and  con- 


MORAL,      INTELLECTUAL,    AND  PHYSICAL  EDUCATION.        553 

tention,  bitterness  and  heart-burning,  or  to  hear  from 
its  parents  one  angry  word  or  unjust  charge.  Make  the 
home  happy,  and  let  its  atmosphere  be  one  of  love  and 
harmony.  I  have  often  felt  indignant  at  the  treatment 
children  meet  with  at  the  hands  of  those  from  whom 
they  should  only  receive  kindness  and  affection. 

As  I  have  heard  the  harsh  and  angry  word,  the  heavy 
blow,  the  bitter  tone  of  rebuke  and  denunciation,  the 
unjust  and  often  foul-mouthed  charge,  and  seen  the 
flashing  eye,  and  the  cheek  flushed  with  passion,  I  have 
felt  like  telling  the  unnatural  parents  or  guardians  they 
were  training  the  child  for  a  future  of  crime  and  bitter- 
ness. Need  we  wonder  at  the  awful  and  terrible  fruits 
of  human  passion,  when  its  fearful  lessons  are  instilled 
into  the  young  mind  in  the  sanctuary  of  home.  If  we 
cannot  have  unbounded  confidence  between  parent  and 
child  in  the  family  circle,  where  on  this  sin-stained  earth 
can  it  be  found  ? 

If  this  confidence  existed,  and  the  child  were  made  to 
feel  that  its  parent's  ears  were  ever  open  to  its  troubles, 
in  them  it  had  warm  and  ready  sympathisers,  kind  ad- 
visers and  hearts  whose  strongest  anxieties  were  for  its 
future  welfare,  what  untold  misery  and  suffering  might 
be  avoided.  Thousands  would  be  prevented  from  enter- 
ing on  a  career  of  vice  and  crime,  and  hundreds,  instead 
of  finding  the  dream  of  their  youth  blighted,  their  purest 
affections  trampled  on,  would  be  saved  from  a  career  so 
dark  and  fearful.  On  the  harmonious  training  of  the 
child  in  its  parental  home,  depends,  in  a  measure,  the 
career  of  the  man,  and  the  greatness  and  prosperity  of 
the  nation. 

From  what  has  been  already  said,  it  will  be  readily 
seen,  that  a  false  system  of  education,  incorrect  train- 
ing of  the  child,  and  ignorance  of  the  laws  of  health, 
beget  a  large  amount  of  the  vice  and  crime,  which  de- 
vastate society. 

24 


554  HYGIENE    AND    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

Look  at  the  various  avenues  to  vice  in  every  part  of 
the  land,  the  gambling,  and  scenes  of  debauchery  and 
crime,  at  which  even  devils  might  blush !  Here  in  the 
city  of  New-  York  alone,  with  its  churches  and  bene- 
volent institutions,  its  untold  wealth,  and  untold  misery, 
the  central  point  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  literature  and 
refinement,  we  find  gambling  and  drinking  saloons  in 
almost  every  street,  and  a  population  of  at  least  TWENTY 
THOUSAND,  who  have  sold  themselves,  body  and  soul,  into 
a  slavery  bitter  as  death,  who  eat  their  bread  from  the 
wages  of  prostitution. 

It  is  a  hard  thing,  oh  parent,  to  believe,  that  you  are 
training  that  son  for  disease  and  death,  for  the  peniten- 
tiary or  the  gibbet. 

It  is  a  hard  thing  to  believe  and  bitter  to  realize,  that 
you  are  training  that  daughter,  so  bright  and  gay,  so 
beautiful  and  joyous,  for  disease,  pain  and  an  early  grave, 
for  a  childless  wife,  for  the  mother  of  children  weak 
and  puny,  for  contention,  for  a  cold  and  heartless  life 
with  no  aim  but  self,  no  God  but  fashion,  for  the  halls 
of  prostitution,  and  the  lowest  brothels  of  the  depraved. 
But  go  into  our  prisons  and  among  the  haunts  of  vice, 
and  read  a  secret  page  in  the  history  of  crime.  Go  be- 
yond the  deed,  to  the  imperceptible  steps,  which  led  to 
the  crime  ;  ge  t  at  the  moral,  physical,  and  intellectual 
training  in  youth,  and  you  will  find  there  notes  of  dis- 
cord and  jarring  strings. 

We  build  prisons,  huge  stone  walls,  with  gloomy  cells, 
in  which  to  confine  those,  who  have  been  convicted  of 
outraging  law;  we  build  the  scaffold,  and  twist  the  rope 
which  is  to  send  the  victim  into  eternity  ;  we  found  hos- 
pitals, the  clergy  hurl  the  anathemas  of  God  against 
vico,  while  it  lifts  its  unabashed  head  and  laughs  at 
these  puny  efforts,  these  baby  blows  on  its  citadel.'  The 
victims  of  crime  have  but  practiced  the  lessons  taught, 
them  by  society,  and  in  their  homes,  and  less  cunning 


MORAL,    IIMTELLECTUAL,    AND    PHYSICAL    EDUCATION.       555 


or  more  venturesome  than  others  have  been  detected  in 
the  act,  and  punished.  They  are  punished  for  yielding 
to  temptations,  which  society  itself  spreads  out  before 
them.  After  scattering  traps  all  over  the  community, 
those  who  dare  fall  into  them  and  are  detected,  are  pu- 
nished for  their  folly. 

Year  after  year  the  abandoned  women  who  throng  our 
streets  descend  to  the  grave  by  hundreds,  and  their 
ranks  are  filled  with  new  victims  not  from  the  city 
alone,  but  from  country  towns  and  rural  villages.  Year 
after  year  the  young  and  beautiful  go  down  to  early 
graves,  genius  flashes  out  for  a  brief  moment,  when 
death  seizes  its  victim ;  children  fall  by  thousands ;  in 
the  homes  where  should  be  peace,  happiness  and  con- 
tentment, is  discord  and  contention ;  the  prisons  groan 
with  victims  ;  the  scaffold  trembles  beneath  its  weight 
and  society  sleeps  on,  wondering  at  the  amount  of 
crime,  and  trying  to  lop  off  some  of  the  branches  of 
that  mighty  tree,  whose  dark  shadow  is  cast  over  the 
earth. 

Let  us  strike  at  the  root  of  this  difficulty ;  let  us  make 
the  intellectual,  the  moral  and  physical  to  move  on  in 
perfect  harmony,  each  performing  its  proper  duty,  each 
leaning  on  the  other,  and  all  forming  one  glorious  whole. 
Until  we  accomplish  this,  in  attempting  to  arrest  vice, 
we  but  beat  the  air.  Until  we  accomplish  this,  disease 
will  continue  to  devastate  the  earth,  continue  to  pile  it 
with  graves,  and  fill  it  with  weeping  and  sorrow.  Abuse 
of  either  the  moral,  physical  or  intellectual,  under- 
mines health  and  happiness.  It  is  only  in  the  proper 
blending  and  use  of  all  we  are  to  look  for  weapons, 
which  will  batter  down  prison-walls,  make  the  gibbet  a 
thing  that  was,  and  in  the  place  of  sorrow,  darkness  and 
gloom,  light  up  the  lamp  of  joy  and  happiness. 


• 


556  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

CHAPTER  IV. 
TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

Nature,  in  all  its  operations,  in  all  its  movements,  is 
characterized  by  the  utmost  simplicity,  order  and  har- 
mony. There  is  no  confusion,  no  discord.  Creation  it- 
self is  like  a  mighty  instrument,  its  parts  composed  of 
worlds  and  systems  of  worlds.  Touched  by  the  hand 
of  God,  it  gives  forth  only  notes  of  music  and  harmony. 

If,  with  the  aid  of  the  telescope's  mighty  power  we 
look  upon  the  heavens,  world  on  world,  and  system  be- 
yond system  start  into  view,  stretching  far  away  into 
the  depths  of  space,  even  beyond  the  assisted  gaze  of 
man.  And  yet  these  unnumbered  worlds,  to  which,  in 
point  of  size,  our  earth  is  but  a  pigmy,  roll  on  in  silent 
majesty  from  year  to  year,  and  from  age  to  age,  sweep- 
ing through  the  heavens  on  their  viewless  track,  almost 
with  the  lightning's  swiftness,  crossing  and  recrossing 
on  their  silvery  paths,  without  interfering  one  with  the 
other,  but  in  the  utmost  harmony  and  order.  The  comets 
wander  off  into  unknown  regions,  returning  at  their  ap- 
pointed time  after  centuries  of  absence.  Sweeping 
backward  and  forward  through  the  heavens,  they  may 
rightly  be  called  the  pendulums  of  the  universe,  mark- 
ing the  hours  of  eternity.  If  we  look  at  the  vegetable 
world,  at  the  tree,  which  striking  its  roots  deep  into  the 
ground,  has  wrestled  with  a  century's  storms  and  tem- 
pests, at  the  ivy,  which  twines  around  its  trunk,  at  the 
flowers  which  bloom  in  wild  and  sweet  profusion  over 
the  face  of  nature,  at  the  green  grass  which  forms  a 
yielding  carpet  beneath  our  feet,  we  find  them  all  obey- 
ing fixed  and  positive  laws.  In  all  the  combinations 
of  matter,  which  are  every  hour  going  on  about  us, 


TRUE   THEORY   OF   CURE.  557 

how  harmonious  the  progress,  and  marriage,  if  I  may 
so  speak,  of  matter,  how  beautiful  and  grand  the  re- 
sult! 

In  the  vast  laboratory  of  nature,  how  simple  the  ele- 
ments we  see  at  work,  yet  how  stupendous  and  mighty 
the  result !  Each  particle  of  matter  obeys  a  principle 
it  cannot  transgress,  and  combines  in  beautiful  propor- 
tion with  the  element  necessary  to  complete  the  plan. 
Each  combination  in  nature,  each  step  in  the  mighty 
plan  of  creation,  is  in  obedience  to  fixed,  unalterable 
laws.  Science  is  unfolding  one  glorious  truth  after 
another,  revealing  in  dazzling  light,  the  beauty,  har- 
mony and  simplicity  of  nature,  and  the  causes  of  her 
various  phenomena.  We  see  what  causes  have  been 
at  work  to  upheave  the  mountain,  form  the  channels  of 
rivers,  dot  the  ocean  with  islands,  and  cover  the  earth 
with  vegetation  and  beauty ;  why  spring  is  followed  by 
summer,  and  summer  by  winter ;  why  to-day  we  feel 
the  soft  and  gentle  breezes  of  the  south,  and  to-mor- 
row swelter  beneath  the  rays  of  a  burning  sun,  tremble 
before  the  storm,  or  shiver  in  the  cold  winds  from 
the  north. 

Nature  works  by  fixed  laws.  There  is  no  chance, 
no  guess-work  in  her  combinations,  and  movements. 
Science  is  gradually  unfolding  these  principles  and 
laws,  and  now,  guided  by  those  laws  which  have  been 
already  unfolded,  we  daily  penetrate  deeper  and  deeper 
into  the  temple  of  nature,  and  bring  to  light  new  won- 
ders and  glories.  The  chemist  in  pursuing  his  labors, 
has  fixed  data  to  work  upon,  data  the  result  of  ex- 
perience and  close  and  accurate  observation.  At  each 
step  of  his  progress  he  feels  that  he  is  treading  on 
firm  ground,  that  his  pathway  is  surrounded  with  light, 
that  the  science  he  is  cultivating  is  a  positive  science, 
and  whenever  he  directs  his  footsteps  into  unexplored 
regions  of  investigation  he  goes  forth  with  confidence, 


558  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

confidence  in  immutable  and  unchangeable  laws,  and 
finds  in  all  his  researches,  in  all  the  glorious  truths 
he  brings  to  light  from  nature,  no  clashing  with  laws  al- 
ready known,  no  contradiction  of  the  true  science  of  the 
past,  but  a  beautiful  harmony  reigning  through  all. 

In  what  an  endless  labyrinth  did  the  theories  of  the 
ancients  involve  them  as  it  regards  the  movements  of 
the  heavenly  bodies  and  the  various  phenomena  of  na- 
ture. Contradiction  met  them  at  every  step,  and  they 
found  themselves  at  every  effort  becoming  more  and 
more  entangled  in  a  net-work  of  mysteries.  At  length 
the  philosopher  detects  in  u  attraction  of  cohesion  and 
gravitation"  the  great  levers  which  move  worlds,  and 
going  on  step  by  step,  he  discovers  other  truths,  and 
finds  in  all,  principles  which  are  to  guide  him  and  cast 
light  on  his  path  in  all  future  investigations.  And  now 
the  astronomer,  with  his  telescope,  can  calculate  the 
movements  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  predict  with  unerring 
certainty  the  return  of  the  comet  from  its  far  off  wan- 
derings, and  unroll  before  our  eager  gaze  the  glorious 
map  of  the  starry  heavens. 

If  we  look  back  upon  the  history  of  medicine,  what 
proofs  do  we  find,  until  within  the  last  half  century,  of 
its  having  any  claim  to  rank  among  the  positive  scien- 
ces. We  find  the  whole  medical  profession  groping  in 
fog,  striving  to  catch  shadows,  and  vainly  searching  in 
in  the  midst  of  bogs  and  quagmires  for  firm  ground  on 
which  to  stand.  Now  and  then,  as  a  ray  of  sunlight 
penetrates  the  mist  by  which  they  are  surrounded,  they 
perceive  their  error,  and  start  off  into  another,  and 
equally  fruitless  path.  Thus  confusion  treads  upon  the 
heels  of  conjecture.  Theory  after  theory  is  born,  flour- 
ishes its  brief  span,  and  is  then  crowded  from  the  'stage 
to  give  place  to  another  equally  wild  and  fruitless.  The 
theory  of  to-day  is  renounced  to-morrow,  consigned  to 
the  tomb  to  be  exumed  by  some  modern  ^Esculapius, 


TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE.  559 

clad  in  new  garments,  and  proclaimed  to  the  world  with 
a  flourish  of  trumpets  as  his  own  offspring.  Time  and 
space  would  fail  us,  and  indeed  it  would  be  a  useless 
task  to  attempt  a  description  of  the  theories  of  disease, 
and  its  treatment,  which  have  been  advanced  by  the  me- 
dical philosophers  of  the  world  from  the  days  of  Hippo- 
crates to  the  present.  Let  us  briefly  glance  at  the  treat- 
ment the  patient  receives  at  the  hands  of  the  so-called, 
old  or  allopathic  school  of  medicine,  with  its  boasted  an- 
tiquity, and  its  experience  of  thousands  of  years. 

Floating  about  on  the  wild  sea  of  conjecture,  without 
any  leading  principle  to  guide  to  the  appropriate  reme- 
•dy,  the  treatment  of  disease  is  as  various  as  the  almost 
innumerable  theories,  which  have  been  advanced. 

Minute  and  highly  important  symptoms  are  disre- 
garded, and  facts  are  compelled  to  give  way,  that  clash- 
ing theories  may  triumph.  "  Break  down  the  disease, 
if  in  so  doing,  you  break  down  the  patient,"  is  too  often 
the  result,  although  not  generally  the  open  preaching 
of  the  allopathic  school. 

We  will  suppose  a  patient  sick  with  fever,  and  glance 
at  the  treatment  he  would  be  likely  to  receive  at  the 
hands  of  different  physicians.  The  cause  of  the  disease 
to  the  unbiassed  mind  should  be  apparent,  and  the  case 
perfectly  plain  and  simple.  Prostrate  on  his  bed,  the 
head  dizzy  and  throbbing  with  pain,  the  heart  beating 
with  violence,  the  pulse  quick  and  wiry,  and  the  whole 
frame  burning  with  fever,  the  patient  tosses  from  side 
to  side,  eagerly  watching  for  the  approach  of  his  phy- 
sician, filled,  as  his  fancy  pictures  him,  with  the  accu- 
mulated wisdom  and  experience  of  centuries,  whose 
magic  skill  is  to  soothe  the  tortured  frame,  cool  the 
fevered  blood,  and  call  back  the  pulse  of  health. 

At  length  the  physician  enters,  looks  at  the  flushed 
face,  places  his  finger  on  the  pulse,  and  says,  unless  we 
reduce  the  vital  power,  and  deplete  the  patient,  he  will 


560  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

die.  The  arm  is  bared,  and  the  blood  spouts  from  the 
vein  until  weakened  by  its  loss,  a  faintness  almost 
amounting  to  insensibility  is  felt.  Bind  up  the  arm, 
give  a  smart  purgative,  follow  it  by  nauseating  doses  of 
antimony,  and  to-morrow,  if  no  better,  put  in  again  the 
lancet  and  cathartics.  As  he  leaves  the  room,  he  gives 
the  comfortable  assurance,  that  in  addition  to  these 
pleasing  remedies,  the  patient  is  to  have  for  the  coming 
few  days,  nothing  to  eat. 

But,  perchance,  a  physician  is  called  in  having  a  dif- 
ferent theory.  The  fever,  he  says,  undoubtedly  arises, 
in  this  case,  from  an  irritation  of  the  intestinal  canal. 
Clear  out  the  canal  then,  with  a  gentle  purgative,  keep 
the  patient  perfectly  quiet,  and  give  him  cooling  drinks. 

But,  still  another  physician  may  have  been  called  in, 
and  he  says,  that  the  fever  is  caused  by  an  irritation  of 
the  brain,  and  we  must  deplete  valiantly,  bleed  from  the 
arm,  apply  leeches  to  the  temples,  put  ice  to  the  head, 
and  be  sure  not  to  forget  the  cathartics. 

And  these  physicians,  and  a  host  besides,  agreeing  in 
a  plain  simple  case,  as  to  the  cause  of  the  disease  and 
the  treatment  necessary,  about  as  well  as  oil  agrees  with 
water,  are  all  ranged  under  the  worn  and  time-honored 
flag  of  allopathy.  Godly  allopaths  all,  steeped  in  the 
wisdom  of  the  past,  how  their  souls  revolt  at  quackery, 
and  their  lips  curl  in  scorn  at  those,  who  tired  with  the 
restless  waves  on  which  they  had  been  tossing,  of  the 
shifting  sands  in  which  they  had  been  enveloped,  dare 
to  set  their  feet  on  firm  ground  and  drink  of  pure 
waters. 

But  we  will  suppose,  the  fever  was  in  reality  produced 
by  an  inflammation  of  the  brain.  The  capillaries  of 
the  brain  are  congested,  and  to  relieve  their  congested 
state  a  large  amount  of  blood  is  drawn  from  the  system. 
The  strength  is  reduced,  but  the  congestion  still  con- 
tinues. An  artificial  inflammation  must  now.  be  pro- 


TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE.  561 

duced  in  some  healthy  part  of  the  system,  which  shall 
supersede  that  already  existing  in  the  brain.  Put  on 
the  blisters  then,  and  ply  drastic  purgatives. 

But  what  effect  do  you  produce  by  this  treatment,  and 
how  do  you  touch  beneficially  the  true  seat  of  the  dis- 
ease ?  The  serous  vessels  of  the  brain,  from  their  loss 
of  irritability  and  tone,  are  prevented  from  performing 
their  functions  aright,  and  no  cure  can  take  place,  until 
this  tone  and  irritability  is  restored.  Can  you,  by  the 
most  active  depletion,  prevent  the  red  globules,  freight- 
ed with  oxygen,  from  entering  the  relaxed  and  en- 
feebled capillaries,  and  the  whole  remaining  mass  of 
blood  from  circulating  through  the  brain  every  few  mo- 
ments ?  Certainly  not,  and  by  thus  reducing  the  strength 
you  take  away  one  of  the  most  important  stimulants  to 
these  enfeebled  vessels.  And  also  by  creating  new  in- 
flammationSj  you  reduce  the  chance  of  recovery  by 
weakening  the  system  and  taking  away  a  portion  of  its 
power  to  struggle  against  disease.  And  more  than  this, 
you  by  your  drugs  may  create  new  diseases  frequently 
more  serious  than  the  old  diseases,  which  in  their  long 
duration  and  the  torture  they  produce  in  the  system, 
often  make  the  patient  long  to  lay  his  weary  head  in 
the  quiet  of  the  grave. 

One  would  suppose  that  the  allopath  might  devoutly 
pray,  "  Oh  for  some  rest  to  this  tossing  bark ;  Oh !  for 
some  rock  on  which  to  stand,  some  ray  of  light  to  pene- 
trate this  gloom,  or  one  thread  to  guide  me  through 
this  tangled  maze !" 

But  lest  the  reader  .should  suppose  the  picture  is  over- 
drawn, let  me  quote  from  one  whose  virgin  heart  has 
never  wandered  from  the  shrine  of  allopathy  or  become 
tainted  with  heresy.  Dr.  Bushnan,  in  a  little  work, 
published  in  London,  in  1850,  on  "  cholera  and  its  cures," 
paints  us  the  following  exquisite  picture  of  allopathy. 
In  speaking  of  the  different  remedies  used  in  cholera  by 
24* 


562  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

the  "  regular  profession,"  he  says  :  "  Let  us  pass  in  re- 
view these  remedies,  so  as  to  obtain  a  bird's  eye  view  of 
them.  They  defy  classification.  Omitting  for  a  mo- 
ment the  complex  method  by  which  cholera  was  to  be 
vanquished,  what  were  the  simple  specifics  that  were  to 
cure,  infallibly  cure,  the  fearful  enemy  ? 

"  Water  of  every  temperature.  Wrap  the  cholera  pa- 
tient in  a  cold  sheet,  says  one.  Dash  cold  water  repeat- 
edly over  the  sheet  in  which  he  is  enveloped,  says  an- 
other. Ply  him  well  with  cold  water  internally,  says  a 
third.  Freeze  him  ;  cool  his  blood  to  thirty  below  zero, 
adds  a  fourth.  Fools  that  ye  are,  exclaims  a  fifth,  '  thus 
to  treat  a  patient  half  dead  with  cholera — I  say,  wrap 
him  in  sheets  soaked  in  boiling  water ;  and  having  thus 
half-cooked  the  shivering  wretch,  conclude  the  process 
by  placing  him  over  the  boiler  of  a  steam  engine.' 

"  Sage  advice,  learned  Thebans !  the  blood  is  dark, 
and  the  surface  cold.  'My  theory,'  shouts  one  man,  is 
that  oxygen  reddens  the  blood,  and  by  its  action  on  that 
blood,  generates  heat ;  therefore  make  the  patient  in- 
hale oxygen.'  *  Nay,'  rejoins  another,  '  the  blood  in  the 
lungs  is  too  bright ;  oxygen  has  nothing  to  do  with  the 
generation  of  heat;  stifle  him  with  carbonic  acid.' 
'  There  are  cramps  present,  which  cause  much  suffering, 
and  therefore  are  they  the  symptom  especially  to  be 
treated,  Chloroform  annihilates  pain — let  him  breathe 
chloroform.' 

"  '  It  is  evident,'  avows  one  sapient  doctor, '  that  there 
is  no  bile  in  the  stools ;  therefore  calomel  should  be  ad- 
ministered.' ' It  is  plain,'  says  another,  '  that  diarrhoea 
is  the  great  evil ;  therefore  let  him  have  opium,  that  is 
the  drug  which  effectually  prevents  a  free  flow  of  bile.' 
'  He  is  cold  and  depressed — what  so  natural  as  to  stimu- 
late.' The  wisdom  of  the  proposal  is  proved  by  the 
numbers  who  recommended  its  adoption — the  folly  of 
the  many  is  manifested  by  the  proportion  who  died 


TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE.  563 


under  the  use  of  stimulants.  '  Give  him  alkalies,'  voci- 
ferates one  man.  '  Nay,'  says  another, '  lemon-juice,  and 
acids  are  the  true  remedies.' 

"  '  It  is  simply  a  stage  of  intermittent  fever,'  maintain 
some ;  '  therefore,'  they  add, '  the  drug  for  its  prevention 
and  its  cure  is  quinine.'  '  Not  half  potent  enough,'  whis- 
pers a  supporter  of  the  same  theory,  '  give  him  arsenic.' 

"  Certain  fanatics  refused  the  use  of  medicine,  but  in 
the  course  of  their  religious  mummeries,  administered  to 
the  credulous  a  cup  of  olive  oil.  A  patient  recovered, 
and  '  Eureka !'  shout  the  populace.  Vox  et  prceterea  ni- 
hil,  say  those  who  wait  awhile  before  they  decide. 

"Opium,  in  one  man's  mind,  is  a  specific  in  small 
doses,  the  twentieth  of  a  grain  frequently  repeated. 
'  Nonsense,'  says  another,  '  opium  is  a  specific,  but  let  it 
be  given  in  doses  of  from  six  to  twelve  grains.'  The 
latter  has  one  advantage  ;  if  the  power  of  absorption 
yet  remains  to  the  stomach,  the  patient  will  assuredly 
be  saved  all  further  pain,  and,  if  he  be  a  good  man, 
mercifully  provided  for  in  a  better  world. 

" '  Calomel  is  the  specific  that  will  stay  every  symptom 
of  the  cholera,  bring  back  the  pulse,  and  restore  life 
almost  to  the  dead,  if  given,'  says  one,  *  in  twenty  or 
thirty  grains  at  a  dose.'  *  No,'  says  another,  *  give  it  in 
that  way,  and  you  will  kill  the  patient.  It  must  be 
given  in  small  doses,  at  short  intervals.' 

"  Then  come  other  infallible  specifics — pitch,  sulphur, 
phosphorus,  and  carbon ;  gold,  silver,  zinc,  and  lead ; 
strychnine,  salicine,  morphine,  and  cannabine ;  hach- 
shish,  and  zorabia  ;  abstraction  of  blood  and  injection  of 
blood  ;  perfect  repose  and  incessant  motion ;  to  the  skin 
irritation  the  most  severe,  applications  the  most  sooth- 
ing; stimulants  the  most  violent,  sedatives  the  most 
powerful." 

And  this  is  medical  science.  Medical  science  to  which 
man  is  to  turn  for  relief  when  the  body  is  racked  with 


564  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

pain,  and  in  which  he  is  to  find  hope  when  disease  with 
stealthy  footsteps  enters  his  home.  Oh !  what  a  parody 
on  true  science,  what  a  mockery  of  suffering  humanity ! 
But  does  the  medical  history  of  the  past  two  thousand 
years  present  no  bright  spots,  has  it  placed  no  trophies 
in  the  temple  of  truth  ?  Have  the  thousands  of  noble 
and  self-denying  men  who  have  filled  its  ranks  accom- 
plished no  good?  On  the  contrary,  the  history  of  medi- 
cine is  full  of  brilliant  discoveries,  but  they  have  most- 
ly been  in  the  field  of  physiology.  Here  great  truths 
have  been  developed,  and  the  way  prepared  for  the  in- 
troduction of  a  law  of  cure  of  so  beautiful  and  perfect  a 
character  that  it  is  destined  to  banish  all  adverse  theo- 
ries from  the  field.  Notwithstanding,  theories  of  disease 
almost  innumerable  have  been  advanced,  but  one  law  of 
cure  has  ever  been  established.  Let  us  briefly  examine 
this  law,  which  we  may  do  by  answering  the  question  of 

WHAT  IS  HOMOEOPATHY? 

The  disturbance  created  in  the  system  by  morbific 
causes  produces  in  the  organism  a  mass  of  symptoms, 
which  represent  the  actual  malady  or  disease.  The  ob- 
ject of  the  medicine  then  is  to  annihilate  these  symp- 
toms, in  doing  which  the  internal  change  on  which  the 
disease  is  founded  is  also  removed.  The  object  is  not  by 
means  of  opiates  to  palliate  for  the  time,  or  by  active 
depletion  to  decrease  the  severity  of  the  symptoms, — for 
in  either  case  the  cause  is  not  removed, — but  to  remove 
thoroughly,  and  effectually,  in  fact,  annihilate  the  symp- 
toms, and  thereby  eradicate  the  disease. 

How  is  this  to  be  done  ?  There  surely  must  be  some 
principle  to  guide  us  in  the  selection  of  a  remedy  and 
its  appropriate  administration.  It  cannot  be  possible 
that  we  are  left  to  grope  in  the  dark,  striking  about  us 
at  random  in  the  hope  that  some  of  our  blows  will  hit 
the  mark.  If  this  were  the  case,  we  should  be  far  more 


WHAT    IS    HOMCEOPATHY  ?  565 

likely  to  hit  the  wrong  than  the  right  place,  and  be  pretty 
sure  of  doing  more  injury  than  good.  But  this  is  not 
the  way  in  which  nature  performs  any  of  her  operations. 
There  is  no  chance,  no  guess-work,  no  confusion,  in  any 
of  her  movements.  And  certainly  we  should  not  expect 
to  be  thrown  on  the  broad  ocean  of  conjecture,  where 
man  the  noblest  and  most  beautiful  of  all  its  works  is 
concerned.  No,  there  is  a  law  by  which  we  are  to  be 
guided  in  the  removal  of  disease,  as  immutable  and  un- 
changeable as  the  laws  which  govern  the  heavenly  bo- 
dies. No  cure  can  be  performed,  unless  in  obedience 
with  this  law,  from  which,  if  we  depart,  we  embarrass, 
instead  of  aid  nature  in  its  operations. 

This  law  is  perfectly  plain  and  simple.  A  medicine 
taken  into  the  healthy  system  produces  a  certain  dis- 
turbance, which  acting  on  the  organism,  gives  rise  to  a 
peculiar  class  of  symptoms.  In  other  words,  a  disease 
is  produced  by  artificial  means,  creating  a  peculiar  dis- 
turbance, in  the  system,  and  producing  a  particular  class 
of  symptoms.  Now,  where  a  disease  is  produced  by  other 
causes,  with  symptoms  similar  in  every  respect  to  those 
produced  by  the  drug,  we  of  course  conclude,  that  there 
is  a  similar  disturbance  in  the  system,  a  similar  inter- 
nal change,  in  fact,  a  like  disease  to  that  developed  by 
artificial  means. 

If  then,  we  now  give  this  drug,  it  is  evident  we  pro- 
duce an  artificial  disease,  occasioning  the  same  distur- 
bance, producing  the  same  internal  change,  giving  rise 
to  the  some  symptoms,  in  fact,  precisely  similar  to  the 
one  already  existing  in  the  system.  But  these  affections 
cannot  exist  together,  for  the  more  intense  or  powerful 
will  destroy  the  weaker.  If  then  with  our  drug  we  pro- 
duce an  artificial  affection,  a  little  more  intense  or  power- 
ful than  the  old,  we  of  course  demolish  the  old  intruder, 
and  expel  it  from  the  system.  In  a  word,  a  weaker  dy- 
namic affection  in  man  is  permanently  extinguished  by 


566  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 


one  that  is  similar,  of  greater  intensity,  yet  of  a  different 
origin.  A  reaction  of  nature  is  excited  by  the  drug,  and 
thus  the  disease  expelled.  Of  course,  the  remedy  must 
be  allowed  to  produce  its  specific  effect,  and  be  given 
unmixed  with  any  other.  If  two  or  three  remedies  are 
mixed  together,  and  given  at  the  same  time,  it  is  clear, 
that  you  get  the  pure  effects  of  neither.  The  drug 
given  must  cover,  or  be  capable  of  producing  in  health, 
not  one  symptom  alone,  but  the  entire  group. 

An  affection  produced  artificially,  dissimilar  to  the 
one  existing  in  the  system,  does  not  destroy  that  affec- 
tion, but  if  more  powerful,  simply  causes  its  suspension 
until  the  new  disease  performs  its  course,  or  is  cured, 
when  the  old  disease  re-appears.  Thus  the  stronger 
may  suspend  the  weaker,  but  they  never  cure  each  other 
reciprocally.  Therefore  the  method  frequently  adopted 
in  allopathy  of  producing  contrary  symptoms,  is  wrong, 
and  cannot  cure. 

If  then,  as  has  been  already  said,  disease  is  removed 
by  giving  drugs,  which  when  taken  into  the  healthy  sys- 
tem produce  a  train  of  symptoms  similar  to  those  exist- 
ing in  the  diseased,  the  absolute  necessity  of  a  pure  Ma- 
teria  Medica  will  be  readily  perceived.  Each  drug  must 
be  tried  on  the  healthy  system,  and  the  symptoms  deve- 
loped under  its  use  carefully  noted  down.  And  this  has 
been  done  not  by  one  alone,  but  by  hundreds,  who  have 
gladly  endured  the  suffering  to  which  they  have  thus 
submitted  themselves,  that  in  so  doing  they  might  be 
the  better"  enabled  to  alleviate  human  suffering,  and 
check  the  fearful  desolations  of  disease.  These  investi- 
gations have  been  carried  on  by  different  persons,  in  coun- 
tries, widely  separated  from  each  other,  at  the  same 
time.  Thus  the  proving  of  the  same  drug  may  have 
been  going  on  at  the  same  time  in  Germany,  France, 
England,  and  America,  and  the  progress  of  each  un- 
known to  the  other  until  the  whole  was  finished.  When 


WHAT    IS    HOMCEOPATHY?  567 

compared  they  have  been  found  to  agree  in  every  im- 
portant particular.  Thus,  by  thoroughly  proving  each 
drug  on  the  healthy  system,  the  only  pure  Materia  Me- 
dica  ever  made  has  been  prepared.  Each  drug  has  been 
submitted  to  a  laborious  and  painful  investigation,  and 
in  no  other  way  can  a  Materia  Medica  be  produced  on 
which  any  reliance  can  be  placed. 

How  different  a  Materia  Medica  thus  prepared,  from 
the  loose,  uncertain,  and  guess-work  affair  of  allopathy. 
We  know  from  actual  experiment,  that  a  drug  will  pro- 
duce such  and  such  symptoms.  In  allopathy  there  is 
no  such  certainty.  Not  a  drug  has  been  thoroughly  in- 
vestigated in  the  only  correct  way,  that  of  a  trial  on  the 
healthy  system.  The  allopath  then  has  no  sure  ground 
on  which  to  stand.  Somewhere  he  has  read  or  heard 
that  a  certain  drug  will  benefit  in  a  certain  disease,  but 
how  does  he  know  the  symptoms  indicating  it  are  pre- 
sent, or  that  his  informant  might  not  have  received  it 
from  as  uncertain  a  source  as  himself. 

We  have  presented  a  principle  which  experience  has 
clearly  established  as  the  only  law  of  cure  ever  discover- 
ed. On  this  broad  principle  has  been  produced  the  only 
pure  Materia  Medica  the  world  has  seen.  Such  then  is 
Homoeopathy.  The  corner-stone  of  the  edifice,  the  broad 
platform  upon  which  is  reared  the  whole  glorious  struc- 
ture is  u similia  similibus  curantur"  or  "like  is  cured 
by  like."  This  is  the  great  law  of  cure,  the  law  through 
which  all  cures  must  be  performed,  the  principle  for 
which  we  contend,  which  is  inscribed  on  all  out  banners, 
and  which  will  as  surely  triumph  throughout  the  world 
as  truth  will  triumph  over  error. 

This  is  Homoaopathy.  Is  there  any  thing  so  terrible 
about  it  ?  Anything  so  contrary  to  reason,  so  awful  and 
pernicious  as  to  bring  down  upon  it  the  vials  of  allo- 
pathic wrath  ?  But  is  it  said,  I  did  not  suppose  this 
was  Homoeopathy  ?  I  thought  that  it  consisted  in  infi- 


568  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

nitesimal  doses.  Then  there  never  has  been  a  greater 
mistake.  Upon  this  man  of  straw  have  been  poured  vials 
of  wrath  and  torrents  of  indignation.  Homoeopathy  con- 
sists not  in  the  amount  of  the  dose,  but  in  that  dose  being 
given  in  obedience  to  the  great  principle  already  stated. 

The  question  then  is,  how  large  a  dose,  given  strictly 
homoeopathically,  is  necessary  to  produce  a  cure  with 
the  greatest  safety,  and  in  the  least  amount  of  time. 
Hahnemann,  when  he  commenced  the  practice  of  his 
new  system  gave  his  medicines  in  the  ordinary-sized 
doses  to  which  he  had  been  accustomed  in  the  allo- 
pathic school.  But  he  very  soon  ascertained,  that  where 
medicines  were  given  after  a  close  and  accurate  study 
of  the  symptoms,  and  were  intended  to  act  specifically, 
this  course  would  not  answer.  He  must,  from  an  inevi- 
table necessity,  if  he  wished  to  cure  his  patient,  obtain 
the  drug  in  its  purest  form,  and  give  it  in  minute  doses. 
Hence  arose  the  system  of  infinitesimal  doses.  It  was 
the  work  of  necessity,  the  direct  result  of  the  ho- 
moeopathic law.  And  yet  this  system  of  infinitesimal 
doses,  without  regard  to  the  great  homoeopathic  law  of 
which  it  is  the  natural  result,  has  been  held  up  as  ho- 
moeopathy, and  been  made  a  target  against  which  have 
been  hurled  the  sneering  and  contemptible  shafts  of 
ridicule,  falsehood,  and  misrepresentation.  The  sapient 
allopath,  to  show  the  inertness  of  homoeopathic  medi- 
cines, has  heroically  swallowed  a  dozen  of  the  medicated 
globules,  never  dreaming  that  in  so  doing,  he  was  only 
showing  his  own  ignorance  and  folly,  for  it  is  the  great 
law  of  our  system,  that  for  these  globules  to  produce 
their  legitimate  effect,  a  peculiar  class  of  symptoms 
must  be  present,  to  which  the  remedy  is  homoeopathic, 
the  diseased  state  of  the  system  also  far  increases  its 
susceptibility  to  medicines. 

Let  us  briefly  examine  this  system  of  infinitesimal 
doses,  and  see  if  reason  and  experience  do  not  tea,ch  us. 


WHAT   IS   HOMCEOPATirY  ?  569 

that  even  small  things,  so  far  as  appreciable  quantity  is 
concerned,  are  capable  of  producing  a  tremendous  effect. 
It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  in  homoeopathy,  the  drug, 
in  addition  to  its  being  administered  in  obedience  to  a 
fixed  law,  is  obtained  in  its  purest  form,  and,  unmixed 
with  any  other  medicinal  substance,  is  allowed  to  pro- 
duce its  specific  effect.  This  is  not  the  case  in  allo- 
pathy. There,  as  they  themselves  have  often  lamented, 
but  very  little  dependence  can  be  placed  on  their  drugs, 
as  it  is  almost  impossible  to  obtain  them  pure,  and  as  if 
this  were  not  enough  to  destroy  the  little  specific  action 
+,Aey  might  exert,  three  or  four  medicines  are  often  com- 
bined together,  thus,  the  one  destroying  in  a  great  mea- 
sure the  effect  of  the  other.  Where  can  be  the  neces- 
sity of  pouring  into  the  stomach  an  enormous  quantity 
of  drugs,  when,  if  given  in  a  pure  state,  a  much  smaller 
amount  would  produce  a  more  decided  effect?  Who 
would  think  of  crowding  the  stomach  with  crude  Peru- 
vian bark,  when  the  curative  principle  of  the  bark  is  at 
hand,  in  the  form  of  quinine  ? 

But  let  us  look  at  nature,  from  whose  vast  store-house 
we  can  draw  glorious  lessons  of  wisdom  and  truth.  Let 
us  glance  at  those  silent  operations,  which  are  capable 
of  producing  such  mighty  changes  in  the  world  of  matter. 
It  is  true,  our  Creator  might,  if  he  chose,  have  made  this 
world,  which  now  moves  on  in  such  order  and  harmony, 
to  have  creaked  and  groaned  in  every  joint,  he  might 
have  made  the  smallest  fly  to  have  buzzed  thunder,  but 
He  had  no  such  absurd  idea  of  order  and  power.  Let 
those  who  ridicule  the  fact,  that  an  infinitesimal  amount 
of  matter  so  small  as  to  possess  no  appreciable  weight, 
or  taste,  can  exert  any  influence,  creep  out  of  their  nar- 
row shell,  and  open  their  eyes  to  the  wonders  going  on 
around  them  every  day  and  every  hour. 

The  earthquake  is  on  its  fearful  march,  and  the  earth 
trembles  before  its  mighty  power.  Cities  are  overwhelm- 


570  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

ed_  and  mountains  rent  and  torn  like  paper.  Volcanic 
fires  burst  from  the  quaking  earth,  and  with  tongues  of 
flame  and  lava  flood  deluge  in  fiery  ruin  the  surround- 
ing country.  Touch,  taste  and  weigh  in  human  scales 
these  subtile  forces,  which  produce  such  tremendous 
power.  The  electric  current  strikes  the  traveler  dead 
to  the  earth.  Gather  up  the  particles  and  tell  us  their 
weight  and  measure.  Standing  in  New- York  a  message 
is  transmitted  with  lightning  speed  along  the  telegra- 
phic wires  to  New-Orleans.  Tell  us  the  amount  and  size 
of  the  electric  particles,  which  bear  the  message  on  to 
its  destination. 

When  vegetable  substances  are  subjected  to  heat  and 
moisture,  certain  atoms  or  molecules  are  set  free,  which 
diffused  in  the  atmosphere,  may  infect  hundreds  with 
intermittent  fever.  And  yet  do  those  moving  .through 
a  miasmatic  district,  smell,  taste  or  see  the  subtile  poi- 
son which  is  so  powerfully  to  affect  them  ?  Can  the 
chemist  detect  it  by  any  process  of  analysis  with  which 
he  is  acquainted  ? 

Minute  particles  are  constantly  escaping  from  per- 
sons affected  with  small-pox,  scarlet  fever,  and  other 
diseases,  which  passing  into  the  air  are  capable  of  af- 
fecting hundreds  and  thousands  of  persons  with  the 
same  disease.  Cases  are  on  record  where  a  letter  merely 
written  in  a  house  where  a  person  was  sick  with  the 
small-pox,  and  transmitted  through  the  mail  hundreds 
of  miles,  has  communicated  the  disease  at  the  end  of 
the  route  and  infected  a  whole  neighborhood. 

In  whatever  part  of  the  world  we  go,  we  find  the 
needle  of  the  compass  pointing  toward  the  magnetic 
pole,  showing  that  the  molecules  or  atoms,  which  escape 
from  this  magnetic  deposit  pervade  the  whole  universe. 
Can  we  see  or  taste  them,  or  if  they  were  all  collected 
together,  could  we  weigh  them  ? 

The  dog,  as  well  as  other  animals,  traces  its  prey  by 


WHAT    IS    HOMCEOPATHY?  571 

the  sense  of  smell  for  miles,  and  a  single  grain  of  musk 
scents  the  room  for  days  without  any  appreciable  dimi- 
nution in  quantity.  Gold  may  be  divided  into  particles 
of  TTsou.ooo.ooo  of  a  square  inch  and  still  possesses  the 
color  and  other  characters  of  gold.  A  single  drop  of  a 
solution  of  indigo,  colors  1000  cubic  inches  of  water,  so 
that  the  particles  of  indigo  must  be  smaller,  than  the 
twenty-five  hundred  millionth  of  a  cubic  inch.  Linen 
yarn  has  been  spun,  a  pound  of  which  was  1.432  English 
miles  in  length.  A  visible  portion  of  such  thread  could 
not  have  weighed  more  than  IST.OSO.OOO  of  a  grain. 

If  we  look  through  the  microscope  we  discover  animals, 
living  and  perfect  in  all  their  parts,  so  minute  that  it 
would  require  the  heaping  together  of  millions  on  mil- 
lions to  be  visible  to  the  naked  eye. 

In  all  vegetable  substances  the  real  strength  remains 
latent  in  the  crude  state,  and  requires  certain  prepara- 
tion to  develop  it.  The  more  completely  the  essential 
principle  is  separated  from  the  crudity,  by  which  it  is 
surrounded  the  more  powerful  it  becomes.  It  has  been 
clearly  shown  by  science,  that  by  friction,  mixture,  &c., 
principles  of  immense  power  may  be  liberated  from  sub- 
stances, which  in  their  crude  state  are  entirely  inert. 

Inasmuch  as  the  active  properties  of  a  medicinal  sub- 
stance are  developed  from  its  surface,  to  develop  its  full 
powers,  we  must  make  it  cover  over  as  large  a  surface  as 
possible.  A  grain  of  matter  thoroughly  triturated  with 
one  hundred  grains  of  sugar  of  milk,  may  be  made  to 
pervade  every  part  of  it,  and  the  matter  may  be  still  far- 
ther diffused  by  taking  one  grain  of  this  substance  and 
combining  it  in  the  same  manner  with  another  quantity 
of  the  medium.  The  drug  thus  separated,  retains  in 
each  atom  of  its  minute  subdivision  the  power  of  exert- 
ing a  specific  influence  on  the  system. 

We  have  thus  endeavored  to  make  clear  two  points, 
viz.  the  great  homoeopathic  law,  and  the  system  of  infi- 


572  TRUE  THEORY  OF  CURE. 

nitesimal  doses,  and  trust  we  have  succeeded  in  show- 
ing that  the  former  is  the  only  true  law  of  cure,  and  the 
latter  not  quite  so  ridiculous,  as  some,  who  are  not  ac- 
customed to  think,  seem  inclined  to  suppose. 

We  have  said,  that  the  law  of  "  Similia  similibus  cu- 
rantur,"  is  the  only  law  of  cure,  and  when  cures  are  per- 
formed, they  are  in  obedience  with  this  law,  no  matter 
who  the  physician  or  what  the  drug  given.  Let  us  bring 
the  allopathic  school  themselves  to  the  bar,  and  apply 
the  test  to  some  of  their  cures. 

Ni1/ric-acid  is  a  favorite  remedy  for  salivation  and  ul- 
ceration  of  the  mouth,  produced  by  mercury,  and  yet  this 
drug  is  capable  of  exciting  salivation  and  ulceration  of 
the  mouth.  Preparations  of  copper  are  also  given  in 
cases  of  chorea  and  epilepsy,  and  yet  the  administration 
of  copper  produces  symptoms  precisely  similar. 

Rhubarb  and  calomel  are  favorite  allopathic  reme- 
dies for  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  and  yet  given  in  large 
quantities  during  health,  produce  inflammation  of  the 
tissues  of  the  bowels,  griping  pain  and  frequent  dis- 
charges. Cubebs  and  cantharides  given  in  health,  pro- 
duce inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  uri- 
nary organs,  and  yet  they  are  unhesitatingly  prescribed 
when  this  state  exists  in  disease.  Ipecac,  given  in  doses  of 
twenty  or  thirty  grains  produces  vomiting,  but  the  allo- 
path has  found  by  experience,  that  given  in  the  tenth 
or  twentieth  part  of  a  grain  it  will  relieve  vomiting. 

Mercury  in  all  those  cases  where  it  is  found  indispen- 
sable by  the  allopath,  is  capable,  if  taken  in  large  doses 
in  health,  of  producing  precisely  a  similar  state.  To  m\ 
ordinary  inflammation  of  the  eye,  they  frequently  apply 
a  mild  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  yet  this  drug  ap- 
t)lied  to  the  healthy  eye,  produces  that  inflamed  state. 
Castor-oil  is  given  to  cure  diarrhoea,  and  yet  its  primary 
effect  is  a  diarrhoea.  The  mother  has  learned  by  expe- 
rience, that  when  her  child  is  injured  by  a  burn,  to  pro- 


WHAT   IS    HOMCEOPATHY?  573 

duce  relief,  she  muse  hold  it  to  the  fire,  or  apply  alcohol, 
or  oil  of  turpentine.  And  so  we  might  go  on  enumerat- 
ing, and  we  should  find  in  every  case,  where  a  cure  is 
performed  by  means  of  drugs,  it  is  in  obedience  to  the 
homo30pathic  law. 

From  what  has  been  already  said,  we  find,  that  in  dis- 
ease, where  the  disturbing  causes  are  slight,  nature  is 
sufficient  of  itself  to  produce  a  healthy  reaction,  but 
when  the  aid  of  medicines  is  required,  those  medicines 
must  be  given  in  obedience  to  the  law  of  "  Similia  si- 
milibus  curantur." 

The  vital  force  reacts  with  far  more  power  against  im- 
pressions caused  by  specific  medicinal  influences,  than 
against  those  produced  by  morbific  agents,  hence  those 
produced  by  the  latter,  often  assume  a  serious  character 
and  run  on  for  a  long  time,  while  those  produced  by  the 
former,  result  in  rapid  spontaneous  recovery. 

The  medicine  acts  directly  on  the  part  affected,  so 
that  as  a  general  thing  an  exceedingly  minute  dose  is 
all-sufficient  to  produce  a  cure. 

In  conclusion  we  have  only  to  say,  that  homoeopathy, 
founded  as  it  is  on  truth,  on  an  immutable,  unchange- 
able law,  is  destined  to  triumph  throughout  the  world. 
In  Europe,  Asia,  Africa,  America  and  the  islands  of  the 
ocean,  its  influence  is  felt  and  acknowledged.  In  every 
land  and  in  every  clime  it  is  working  its  rapid  way,  the 
current  daily  increasing  in  strength  and  size,  bearing 
down  before  it  all  opposition,  and  those  who  are  now 
rash  or  foolish  enough,  to  oppose  its  progress  must  soon 
either  fall  in  with  its  current,  or  be  swept  away  before 
its  rushing  tide. 


574  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


CHAPTER   V. 

MATERIA   MEDICA. 

ACONITE. 

MonWs   Hood. 

Inflammatory  diseases  and  local  congestions.  The 
first  stage  of  fevers  and  nearly  all  those  diseases  where 
there  is  a  rapid  increase  of  circulation,  dry  and  hot  skin. 
Also  in  spasmodic  affections  produced  by  fright. 

General  Symptoms. — Thirst  with  redness  of  the  checks. 
Bruised  sensation  and  great  sensitiveness  to  the  touch ; 
congestion  of  blood  to  the  head  and  other  organs ;  un- 
easiness as  from  a  chill  or  suppressed  perspiration ; 
shivering  sensation,  or  feeling  as  if  the  blood  were  stag- 
nant. 

Skin. — Fever  with  dry  and  burning  skin.  Scarlatina. 
Measles,  Small-Pox,  and  other  eruptive  diseases,  attended 
with  fever. 

Sleep. — Drowsiness  with  dreams,  or  sleeplessness  with 
great  restlessness  and  tossing  from  side  to  side.  Start- 
ings  in  sleep ;  nightly  delirium. 

Fever. — Shivering  with  dry  burning  heat  of  the  skin; 
burning  heat  with  dry  hot  skin  and  great  thirst ;  rapid 
pulse,  at  times  hard,  at  others  wiry  and  intermittent. 

Head. — Vertigo,  particularly  on  raising  the  head. 
Piercing  throbbing  pain  in  the  head,  forehead,  and 
temples,  or  fullness  in  the  forehead,  as  if  the  brain  would 
press  out ;  pinching  pain  over  the  root  of  the  nose,  and 
bruised  or  tensive  sensation;  congestion  to  the  head 
with  heat  of  the  face  ;  pains  increased  by  movement. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Acute  ophthalmia  with  great 
redness,  heat,  and  shooting  pain  in  the  eyes.  Roaring 
in  the  ears.  Bleeding  from  \&  nose. 

Teeth,  Mouth,  and  Throat. — Toothache,  especially  from 


ALUMINA.  575 

a  cold,  with  heat  and  throbbing  pain  in  one  side  of  the 
face.  Rheumatic  and  congestive  tooth  and  face-ache. 
Acute  inflammation  of  the  throat,  with  violent  fever 
and  difficulty  in  swallowing. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Inflammation  of  the  stomach. 
Inflammation  of  the  bowels  and  intestines,  with  burn- 
ing lacerating  pain ;  great  sensitiveness  of  the  abdomen 
and  stomach  to  the  touch. 

Fcec-s  and  Urinary  organs. — Frequent,  scanty  and 
loose  stools  with  tenesmus ;  watery  diarrhoaa.  Retention 
or  incontinence  of  urine ;  high-colored  urine,  with  or 
without  brick-dust  sediment. 

Genital  Organs. — Milk-fever,  puerperal  fever,  de- 
rangement of  the  menses,  especially  when  accompanied 
with  fever. 

Larynx. — Short,  dry  cough,  as  if  from  a  tickling  sen- 
sation in  the  larynx ;  spasmodic  cough,  or  cough  with 
bloody  or  mucus  expectoration.  Dry  cough,  with  heat, 
thirst,  and  restlessness.  First  stage  of  hooping  cough,  &c. 

Cheat. — Anxious,  quick,  or  labored  breathing.  Asth- 
matic suffering ;  aching  pain  in  the  chest.  Pneumonia, 
pleurisy,  and  affections  of  the  heart. 

ALUMINA. 

Pure  Clay. 

Affections  of  the  mucous  membrane,  sometimes  with 
ulceration ;  scrofulous  affections.  Congestions  arising 
from  suppression  of  haemorrhoidal  flux ;  constipation ; 
spasmodic  conditions,  twitching  of  the  limbs,  &c. 

Skin. — Corrosive  itching,  particularly  in  the  evening ; 
excorations,  humid  scurf,  and  itching  tetters. 

Head. — Vertigo  ;  heaviness  or  lacerating  in  the  head ; 
itching  eruption  on  the  scalp. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Burning  in  the  eyes ;  nightly 
agglutinations  ;  humming,-  vibrations  and  other  sounds 
in  the  ears  ;  Bleeding  at  the  nose ;  stoppage  of  the  nose, 


576  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


or  nose  painful,  swollen  or  ulcerated  ;  itching  eruptions 
on  the  face. 

Abdomen  and  Faeces. — Colic ;  inactivity  and  paralysis 
of  the  rectum  ;  constipation,  piles. 

Sexual  Organs. — Headache  before,  and  pain  during 
the  menses ;  profuse  leucorrhcea,  sometimes  with  itch- 
ing ;  toothache,  and  constipation  during  pregnancy. 

AGAR1CUS. 

Particularly  indicated  in  derangements  of  the  nervous 
system. 

Skin. — Itching  burning  and  redness  as  if  frozen,  and 
sometimes  itching  eruptions;. 

Menial  emotions. — Great  restlessness ;  uneasiness  of 
mind,  sometimes  developed  in  insanity. 

IL'cid. — Vertigo  or  dullness  in  the  head  ;  pressive  pain 
or  drawing  tearing  pain,  particularly  above  the  root  of 
the  nose  and  on  the  top  of  the  head ;  painful  sensitive- 
ness of  the  scalp ;  itching  and  redness  of  the  face. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Burning  sensation  in  the  eyes, 
itching  and  tingling;  indistinct  sight,  objects  seen  as  if 
through  turbid  water,  surrounded  with  mist  and  covered 
with  a  cobweb ;  itching  and  burning  of  the  ears,  and 
various  sounds  in  the  ears ;  itching  and  soreness  of  the 
nose,  sometimes  with  discharge  of  blood. 

ARNICA. 
Leopard's  Bane. 

Rheumatic  and  arthritic  pains  ;  hot  and  shining  swell- 
ings; lacerating  and  shooting  pains;  paralysis  or  con- 
vulsions ;  affections  occasioned  by  sprains,  bruises  and 
falls ;  sores  of  bed-ridden  persons. 

Fever. — Intermittent  fever ;  pain  in  the  bones,  accom- 
panied by  headache. 

Head. — Concussion  of  the  brain  by  a  blow  or  fall; 
great  heat  in  the  head  ;  lacerating  or  tearing  pain  in  the 
head,  particularly  the  forehead. 


ARSENIC.  577 

Faeces. — Constipation  ;  blind-piles ;  white  diarrhoea. 
Larynx  and  Chest. — Dry  cough  as  from  tickling  in  the 
throat ;    expectoration   of  blood ;     difficult   breathing ; 

aching  and  bruised-like  sensation  in  the  chest. 

•    . . 

ARSENIC. 
Arsenious-Acid. 

Rapid  sinking  of  strength,  great  prostration  and 
emaciation ;  spasms  ;  convulsions  and  epileptic  fits  ;  dis- 
eases of  the  mucous  membrane ;  dropsical  complaints 
and  scrofulous  affections. 

Burning,  especially  in  the  interior  of  the  affected 
parts. 

Skin. — Pustules,  ulcers,  and  cancerous  affections,  ac- 
companied with  burning ;  fetid  secretions  and  tendency 
to  run  into  mortification,  general  dropsy. 

Sleep. — Great  weariness  and  restlessness,  tossing  about, 
or  starting  as-  if  in  affright ;  burning  as  if  hot  water 
were  coursing  through  the  veins. 

Fever. — General  coldness,  with  dryness  of  the  skin  or 
profuse  sweat ;  intermittent  fever,  the  stages  flowing  im- 
perceptibly into  each  other,  typhoid  and  putrid  fever 
and  other  fevers,  where  there  is  rapid  prostration,  dry 
and  burning  skin. 

Head  and  Face. — Periodical  headache,  great  weight 
in  the  head,  humming  in  the  ears;  beating  pain  in  the 
head ;  painful  sensitiveness  of  the  scalp  ;  swelling  in  the 
head  and  face,  and  burning  excoriating  eruptions  with 
fetid  smell ;  sunken  countenance  or  bloated  and  puffed 
face  ;  cancerous  affections  of  the  face. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Burning  sensation  in  the  eyes, 
and  redness  and  congestion ;  scrofulous,  rheumatic  and 
catarrhal  ophthalmia ;  swelling  of  the  lids,  specks  and 
ulcers  on  the  cornea ;  roaring  in  the  ears ;  burning  in 
the  nose,  sometimes  with  excoriation  or  ulceration ;  dry- 

25 


578  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


ness  of  the  nose,  or  discharge  of  an  acrid  fluid ;  profuse 
acrid  discharge  from  the  nose,  with  sneezing ;  stoppage. 

Teeth,  Mouth,  and  Throat. — Fetid  smell  from  the 
mouth,  tongue  and  lips,  covered  with  burning  vesicles  ; 
burning  in  the  throat. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Violent  thirst,  or  absence  of 
thirst ;  water-brash ;  nausea  and  excessive  vomiting, 
sometimes  of  a  chronic  character  and  attended  with 
burning  sensation  and  pain  in  the  stomach ;  vomiting 
sometimes  of  blood  or  of  a  blackish  substance  ;  stomach 
painful  to  the  touch,  sometimes  with  burning  and  of  a 
weight  like  a  stone ;  great  anguish  in  the  stomach ; 
cancer  and  inflammation  of  the  stomach ;  dropsy  of  the 
abdomen  ;  spasmodic  pain  in  the  bowels  ;  burning  in  the 
abdomen  or  cold  and  chilly  sensation ;  swelling  of  the 
abdomen,  great  anguish  and  sensitiveness  of  the  touch. 

Faeces. — Constipation ;  or  diarrhoea  attended  with  co- 
lic ;  vomiting ;  straining,  the  evacuations  burning  and 
fetid  ;  bloody  evacuations  with  vomiting  and  colic. 

Genital  Organs. — Acrid  and  corrosive  leucorrhcea, 
cancer  of  the  uterus. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Dryness  and  burning  in  the  larynx ; 
consumption  of  the  trachea ;  cough,  dry,  short  and  hack- 
ing ;  difficult  expectoration,  sometimes  of  blood-streaked 
mucus,  with  burning  in  the  whole  body,  or  succeeded 
by  nausea ;  suffocative  cough,  soreness  and  bruised  sen- 
sation in  the  chest,  oppressive  and  labored  breathing, 
sometimes  with  debility  ;  asthma ;  dropsy  of  the  chest ; 
short  and  anxious  breathing. 

AURUM. 
Gold. 

Particularly  useful  in  affections  of  the  nervous  system ; 
scrofulous  or  dropsical  affections ;  complaints  from  the 
abuse  of  Mercury ;  severe  nightly  pain  in  the  bones, 


BELLADONNA.  579 


sometimes  with  inflammation  and  ulceration ;  syphilitic 
and  mercurial  affections  of  the  bones. 

Skin. — Bony  tumors  on  the  head,  arms  and  legs ;  drop- 
sical swellings ;  scrofulous  and  mercurial  glandular  affec- 
tions ;  eruptions,  ulcers  and  cancerous  affections. 

Mental  Emotions.  — Fear ;  insanity ;  violent  anger  or 
dejected  spirits  and  longing  for  death. 

Head  and  Face. — Rush  of  blood  to  the  head ;  tumult 
and  roaring  in  the  head,  especially  of  nervous  persons ; 
eruptions  on  the  face ;  swollen  and  ulcerated  lips,  espe- 
cially of  tuberculous  persons. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Scrofulous  affections  of  the 
eyes ;  incipient  amaurosis ;  roaring  in  the  ears ;  fetid 
discharge  from  the  ears,  hardness  of  hearing,  and  affec- 
tions from  abuse  of  Mercury ;  caries  of  the  nose ;  swell- 
ing, ulceration  and  soreness  of  the  nose. 

Chest. — Palpitation  of  the  heart;  chronic  affections 
of  the  heart. 

BELLADONNA. 
Deadly  Night-shade. 

Scarlatina. — Rheumatic  and  erysipelatous  inflamma- 
tions ;  great  derangement  of  the  nervous  system ;  con- 
gestion to  the  head ;  spasms ;  convulsions  ;  neuralgia. 

Skin. — Scarlet  spots  and  scarlet  redness,  sometimes 
with  hot  swelling  of  the  parts ;  erysipelatous  and  rheu- 
matic inflammations,  with  red  and  hot  swellings  ;  boils 
and  painful  glandular  swellings. 

Sleep. — Drowsiness,  stupor,  or  great  sleeplessness  and 
restlessness,  screaming,  moaning  and  starting  in  sleep, 
with  anxious  and  frightful  dreams ;  headache  on  waking. 

Fever. — Chilliness  from  a  current  of  air ;  violent  burn- 
ing heat,  redness  of  the  face,  congestion  to  the  head,  and 
violent  thirst ;  pulse  strong  and  quick,  or  full  and  slow. 

Mental  Emotions. — Melancholy,  nightly  delirium;  in- 
sanity with  changeable  feelings;  at  times  merry  and 
foolish,  at  others  sad  with  weeping,  at  others  violent 


580  MATERIA.    MEDICA. 


rage,  howling  and  screaming;  illusion  of  the  senses; 
conversing  with  absent  friends  or  imaginary  things. 

Head. — Violent  headache,  especially  in  the  forehead, 
so  severe  as  to  cause  him  to  close  the  eyes,  and  increased 
by  motion ;  headache  above  the  orbits  as  if  the  brain 
were  pressed  out,  violent  pulsative  and  throbbing  head- 
ache j  lacerating-and  shooting  pains  in  the  head;  full- 
ness and  heaviness  of  the  head  ;  congestion  to  the  head. 

Face. — Redness  of  the  face,  sometimes  swollen ;  ery- 
sipelatous  inflammation ;  violent  neuralgia. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Great  sensitiveness  to  light, 
running  at  the  eyes,  and  violent  pain  in  the  balls,  severe 
pain  in  the  orbit,  as  if  the  eyes  would  be  forced  out, 
spasms  of  the  eyes ;  staring,  shining  or  glistening  eyes ; 
amaurosis ;  great  dimness  of  sight,  cloudiness  of  the 
head,  sparks  before  the  eyes.  Lacerating,  stitching  pain 
in  the  ear ;  swelling  of  the  parotid  gland.  Bleeding  at 
the  nose.  Ulcers  on  the  nostrils  and  the  corners  of  the 
lips. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Locked  jaw ;  throbbing  and  ul- 
cerative  pain  in  the  gums,  violent  and  lacerative  tooth- 
ache, worse  at  night ;  rheumatic  toothache,  particularly 
during  pregnancy  ;  toothache  with  red,  hot  face,  beating 
in  the  head ;  swelling  and  inflammation  of  the  mouth 
and  tongue  ;  tremor  of  the  tongue ;  roughness  and  sore- 
ness of  the  throat ;  sore  throat  with  pain  and  swelling 
and  difficult  swallowing;  inflammation  of  the  tonsils, 
rawness  of  the  throat;  spasmodic  constriction  of  the 
throat. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Loss  of  appetite,  hiccough, 
spasms  of  the  stomach,  resembling  a  cramp  ;  pain  in  the 
pit  of  the  stomach,  colic  and  shooting  pain  or  cramp- 
like  and  constrictive  pain  in  the  bowels ;  great  sensi- 
tiveness of  the  stomach  and  abdomen ;  peritonitis. 

F<2GQ8  and  Urine. — Dysenteric  or  diarrhoaic  stool  with 


BEYONIA    ALBA.  581 


straining;  paralysis  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder;  inflam- 
mation of  the  bladder  and  kidneys. 

Genital  Organs. — Derangement  of  the  womb,  affecting 
the  head  and  nervous  system ;  puerperal  fever ;  spasms 
of  parturient  women ;  toothache  and  colic  of  parturient 
women,  swelling  and  pain  in  the  breast. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Hoarseness,  paihfulness  of  the  la- 
rynx when  coughing ;  dry  night-cough ;  hooping  cough. 
Labored  and  difficult  breathing ;  asthma ;  stitches  or 
shooting  pains  in  the  chest ;  spasms  of  the  chest  and 
throat,  palpitation,  and  tremor  of  the  heart. 

Back  and  Extremities.—  Rheumatic  or  neuralgic  pains ; 
stiffness  of  the  parts;  glandular  swellings ;  erysipelatous 
inflammation. 

BRYONIA   ALBA. 

White  Bryony. 

Inaction  of  the  liver  and  bowels.  Rheumatic  and 
arthritic  affections.  Gastric  and  nervous  affections. 

Sleep. — Drowsiness  during  the  day ;  inclination  to 
sleep  after  a  meal ;  sleep  with  twitchings  in  the  face. 

Fever. — Chilliness  and  creeping  chills  ;  pains  in  the 
bones,  from  cold.  Intermittent  fever ;  acute  inflamma- 
tory fevers  with  irritation  of  the  nervous  system  ;  gastric 
and  bilious  fevers,  and  for  the  fever  preceding  the  erup- 
tion of  small-pox,  measles,  &c. 

Mental  Emotions. — Lowness  of  spirits  ;  irritable  tem- 
per ;  delirious  talk  at  night,  with  desire  to  escape. 

Head. — Headache  in  the  morning  on  opening  the  eyes ; 
rush  of  blood  to  the  head  and  throbbing  pulsations ; 
heaviness  of  the  head ;  headache  when  stooping  as  if 
the  brain  would  burst  from  the  forehead ;  pain  aggra- 
vated by  movement. 

Nose  and  Face. — Swelling  of  the  nose  with  ulcerative 
pain  when  touched  and  ulcerations ;  dryness  and  ob- 
struction of  the  nose ;  bleeding  of  the  nose ;  pale  or 


582  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


yellow  face ;  bloatedness  or  swelling  of  the  face  ;  swollen 
or  chapped  lips. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Darting  pain  in  the  teeth  ;  pain- 
ful soreness  and  looseness  of  the  teeth  and  pain  when 
chewing ;  hoarseness  and  sore  throat  with  difficult  swal- 
lowing. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen.— Loss  of  appetite  or  morbid 
hunger  and  frequently  bitter,  putrid,  or  sickly  taste ; 
eructations  ;  nausea,  particularly  in  the  morning  on  wak- 
ing ;  empty  retching ;  vomiting,  sometimes  bitter  or 
bloody,  frequently  after  eating  or  drinking.  Pressure  in 
the  stomach  as  of  a  stone,  particularly  after  eating,  con- 
tractive pain,  or  darting,  shooting  or  painful  soreness  in 
the  stomach ;  spasms  of  the  stomach ;  inflammation  of 
the  liver  and  stomach ;  tension,  burning  and  stinging  in 
the  region  of  the  liver ;  colic ;  colic  during  pregnancy ; 
dropsy  of  the  abdomen;  inaction  of  the  bowels  from 
sendentary  habits. 

Faces  and  Urine. — Constipation ;  chronic  constipa- 
tion ;  hard  stool  with  protrusion  of  the  rectum ;  diar- 
rhoea with  previous  colic,  also  from  cold,  alternating  with 
constipation  and  spasms  of  the  stomach ;  hot  and  red 
urine. 

Genital  Organs. — Suppression  of  the  menses  with 
bleeding  at  the  nose ;  profuse  menstruation  of  dark  red 
blood  ;  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back  and  headache ; 
puerperal  fever,  swelling  and  hardness  of  the  breasts ; 
milk-fever  with  rheumatic  pains. 

Larynx  and  Client. — Violent  coryza  without  cough ; 
violent  cough  with  retching  and  sensation,  as  if  the  head 
and  chest  would  fly  in  pieces ;  painful  cough,  the  expec- 
toration sometimes  streaked  with  blood ;  acute  and  chro- 
nic bronchitis  ;  difficult  breathing ;  asthma  ;  pleurisy ; 
pneumonia ;  painful  respiration  and  great  pain  in  cough- 
ing; stitches  in  the  chest,  shooting  pains  in  the  chest; 
rheumatic  affection  of  the  muscles  of  the  chest. 


CALCAREA-CARBONTCA.  583 

Back  and  Extremities. — Painful  stiffness  in  the  nape 
of  the  neck,  on  moving  the  head ;  soreness  and  stiffness 
of  the  muscles  of  the  trunk ;  bruised  sensation  in  the 
small  of  the  back ;  lumbago  ;  lacerating  pain  in  the  back. 
Lacerating  pains  in  the  arms  and  legs;  shining,  red, 
rheumatic  swelling  of  the  joints  with  lacerating  and  ten- 
sion on  moving  the  parts.  Coxagra;  limping,  cutting 
pain  in  the  hips,  lameness  and  drawing  pains  in  the  legs. 

CALCAREA-CARBONICA. 

Carbonate  of  Lime. 

Tuberculous  affections.  Eruptive  diseases.  Ulcers. 
Affections  of  drunkards. 

Skin. — Rough  skin ;  nettle  rash,  going  off  in  cool  air ; 
itching,  vesicular  eruption,  herpes;  readily  ulcerated 
skin  ;  warts ;  ulcers  ;  polypus. 

Mental  Emotions. — Low-spirited ;  peevishness,  sadness 
or  ill-humor. 

Head. — Dullness  or  dizziness  in  the  head ;  stupefying, 
oppressive  headache,  violent  throbbing  headache  as  if 
the  head  would  burst,  hammering  in  the  head,  and  seeth- 
ing of  the  blood  ;  itching  eruption  on  the  scalp  and  face ; 
falling  out  of  the  hair ;  glandular  swellings. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  Nose. — Swelling  and  redness  of  the 
eyelids,  readily  ulcerating  and  stuck  together  with  mat- 
ter; ulcers  and  spots  on  the  cornea;  amaurosis.  Pulsa- 
tions in  the  ears  ;  purulent  discharge ;  polypus ;  snap- 
ping, roaring,  ringing  and  hammering  in  the  ear.  Sore 
and  ulcerated  nostrils ;  polypus  and  scrofulous  swelling 
of  the  nose ;  stoppage  of  the  nose  or  discharge  of  pus. 
Itching  eruption  on  the  face  ;  swelling  of  the  glands. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Throbbing  or  gnawing  pain  in 
the  teeth ;  swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  gums. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Waterbrash ;  nausea,  and  sour 
eructations ;  spasms  in  the  stomach ;  swelling  of  the 
mesenteric  glands. 


584  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


Larynx  and  Chest. — Dry  spasmodic  cough,  particular- 
ly at  night ;  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  excoriating 
pain  in  the  chest 

Trunk  and  Limbs. — Swelling  of  the  glands.  Boils, 
corns,  &c. 

CAMPHOR. 

First  stage  of  influenza.  Dizziness  ;  loss  of  conscious- 
ness, and  coldness  of  the  hody.  Spasms ;  convulsions 
Cholera.  Epileptic  spasms. 

Skin. — Blue  cold  skin,  with  coldness  of  the  body. 

Sleep. — Sopor  and  delirium ;  headache. 

Fever. — Chilliness  and  coldness  of  the  body ;  heat  with 
trembling. 

Head. — Dizziness  of  the  head ;  loss  of  memory  ;  dull 
headache  or  violent  throbbing  pain  in  the  head ;  inflam- 
mation of  the  brain ;  pale  countenance  ;  contortions  of 
the  muscles  of  the  face. 

Nose. — First  stage  of  influenza ;  coryza. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Excessive  thirst  or  absence 
of  thirst ;  nausea ;  vomiting,  cold  sweats  and  dizziness ; 
burning  in  the  stomach ;  Asiatic  cholera  with  cramps ; 
abdominal  spasms;  bruised,  pinching,  or  contractive 
pain  in  the  abdomen. 

Faces. — Difficult  movement  or  involuntary  diarrhoea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Roughness  of  the  voice,  with 
cough,  occasioned  by  mucus  in  the  air-passages  ;  oppres- 
sion of  the  chest ;  stitches  in  the  chest  after  a  cold. 

Extremities. — Drawing  cramp-like  pain  in  the  muscles. 

CANNABIS. 

Hemp. 

Affections  of  the  kidney  and  bladder.  Rheumatic 
drawings  in  the  bones.  Complaints  occasioned  by  fa- 
tigue. 

Urinary  Organs. — Chronic  retention  of  urine ;  pain- 
ful discharge  of  bloody  urine ;  severe  burning  pain  in 


CANTHARTS.— CAPSICUM.  585 

the  urethra  during  and  after  making  water ;  inflamma- 
tion of  the  urethra ;  discharge  of  mucus  from  the 
urethra  ;  ulcerative  pain  in  the  kidneys. 

Cliest. — Chronic  catarrh.  Inflammation  of  the  chest 
and  heart. 

C  ANTHARIS. 

Spanish  Fly. 

Burning  and  itching  in  the  skin.  Rawness  and  sore- 
ness in  the  whole  body ;  inflammation  and  gangrene  of 
the  parts ;  convulsions  with  distortion  of  the  limbs. 

Skin. — Erysipelatous  inflammation  with  blisters. 

Urinary  and  Genital  Organs. — Inflammation  and  pain 
in  the  kidneys,  burning  pain  in  the  bladder ;  paralysis 
of  the  neck  of  the  bladder ;  violent  cutting  in  the  ure- 
thra ;  suppression  or  retention  of  urine  ;  constant  desire 
to  urinate,  the  urine  passing  in  drops,  sometimes  streaked 
with  blood,  attended  with  burning  pain ;  tenesmus  of 
the  bladder,  strangury  or  discharge  of  drops  of  blood ; 
eneuresis ;  discharge  of  pus  and  yellowish  fluid  from  the 
urethra ;  painful  gonorrhoea ;  inflammation  of  the  neck 
of  the  uterus  and  the  ovaries. 

CAPSICUM. 
Cayenne  Pepper. 

Skin. — Burning  itching  over  the  whole  body;  shud- 
dering and  chilliness  ;  intermittent  fevers. 

Head. — Beating  throbbing  headache,  as  if  the  head 
would  burst. 

Throat. — Soreness  of  the  throat,  and  painful  swallow- 
ing ;  smarting  sensation  in  the  throat,  as  if  it  had  been 
gargled  with  red  pepper. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Hoarseness,  cough,  difficult  breath- 
ing and  sticking  and  throbbing  pain  in  the  chest 

25* 


586  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


CARBO-VEGETAB1LIS. 
Vegetable  Charcoal. 

Intermittent  fever.  Rheumatic  drawing  or  bruised 
sensation  in  the  limbs  and  joints.  Attacks  of  weakness. 
Vertigo.  General  prostration. 

Skin. — Nettle-rash ;  chilblains ;  grandular  and  lym- 
phatic swellings ;  herpes  and  itching  eruptions ;  un- 
healthy ulcers,  and  fetid  smell. 

/Sleep.  —Drowsiness  going  off  by  motion ;  sleeplessness, 
pain  in  the  head. 

Fever. — Chilliness,  beating  in  the  temples,  and  lace- 
rating in  the  bones  and  limbs ;  last  stage  of  typhoid 
fever ;  collapse  of  pulse,  morning  or  night  sweats. 

Head. — Heaviness  in  the  head,  beating  or  pulsating 
headache,  congestion  to  the  head. 

Nose  and  Face. — Swelling  and  ulceration  of  the  nose ; 
bleeding  at  the  nose,  violent  coryza  or  stoppage  of  the 
nose.  Chapped  lips ;  eruptions  on  the  face. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Looseness  and  aching  pain  in  the 
teeth ;  soreness  of  the  gums.  Rawness  of  the  throat ; 
sore  throat  after  measles. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Loss  of  appetite  ;  nausea ; 
waterbrash ;  spasms  in  the  stomach ;  pain  in  the  liver 
as  if  bruised  ;  stitches  and  lacerating  pain  in  the  liver; 
distension  of  the  abdomen ;  aching  and  rumbling  pain, 
with  emission  of  flatulence. 

FoBces  and  Urine. — Constipation  ;  burning  diarrhoea ; 
or  burning  in  the  rectum  after  movement ;  bloody  stool 
with  tenesmus ;  piles ;  ascarides  in  the  rectum. 

Genital  Organs. — During  the  menses,  cutting  pain  in 
the  abdomen  and  headache.  Leucorrhcea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Hoarseness  ;  cough  when  taking 
the  least  cold ;  cough,  sometimes  dry  and  hard,  some- 
times accompanied  with  purulent  expectoration  and 


CAUSTICUM.  587 


soreness  in  the  chest ;  hooping  cough  and  consumption ; 
spasmodic  cough. 

Back  and  Extremities.— ^BTuised.  sensation  in  the  back 
and  limbs ;  rheumatic  drawing  or  lacerating  pain  in  the 
joints  and  muscles. 

CAUSTICUM. 

Arthritic  pain  in  the  limbs.  Lacerating  in  the  joints 
and  bones ;  stiffness  in  the  joints  ;  bruised  sensation  or 
sticking  pain  in  every  part  of  the  body.  Epileptic  fits. 
Paralysis,  especially  on  one  side. 

Skin. — Itching  of  the  body,  sometimes  with  burning 
pimples,  warts. 

Sleep. — Great  drowsiness,  severe  headache ;  general 
sweat  with  uneasy  sleep. 

Eyes,  Ears  and  Nose. — Sensations  of  sand  in  the 
eyes ;  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with  burning  and  red- 
ness, especially  in  tuberculous  individuals  ;  dimness  of 
sight,  and  sensations  as  of  objects  or  fiery  sparks  flitting 
before  the  eyes.  Running  of  the  ear,  roaring  and  buzzing 
in  the  ear,  bleeding  of  the  nose,  and  obstructions  of  the 
nose,  sometimes  with  dry  coryza. 

Face,  Mouth  and  Throat. — Pains  in  the  lower  jaw  and 
in  the  face  ;  itching  of  the  face ;  burning  ulcers  of  the 
lips  ;  throbbing  or  lacerating  toothache  ;  painful  sensi- 
tiveness, or  looseness  of  the  teeth,  with  sensation  as  if 
they  were  elongated ;  swelling  and  bleeding  of  the  gums ; 
paralysis  of  the  tongue  ;  hoarseness  and  phlegm  in  the 
throat ;  soreness  of  the  throat  and  constant  disposition 
to  swallow. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Spasms  of  the  stomach; 
griping  and  pressure  in  the  stomach ;  dull,  aching  pain 
or  pressure  in  the  abdomen ;  bruised  sensation  and  dis- 
tension of  the  abdomen  from  flatulence. 

Fasces. — Constipation ;  bloody  stool  with  burning  and 
soreness ;  itching  of  the  anus ;  burning  or  cutting  in 


588  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


the  urethra  on  passing  water;  haemorrhage  from  the 
urethra. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Burning  and  roughness  in  the 
throat,  or  hoarseness  and  roughness ;  loss  of  voice ; 
catarrh  with  dryness ;  cough  and  rawness  of  the  throat ; 
short  hacking  cough  and  tickling  in  the  throat,  soreness 
of  the  throat,  when  coughing ;  spasmodic  asthma ;  pal- 
pitation of  the  heart ;  constriction  of  the  chest,  and  dif- 
ficult breathing ;  shooting  pains  in  the  chest. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Bruised  sensation,  lacerating 
or  stiffness  in  the  back,  nape  of  the  neck  and  extremities; 
violent  itching  and  sometimes  pimples ;  paralysis,  numb 
sensation. 

CHAMOMILLA. 
Chamomile. 

Bilious  affections,  also  in  children  and  persons  of  a 
nervous  temperament.  Toothache.  Affections  arising 
from  grief  or  passion.  Spasms,  especially  of  children. 
Drawing  lacerating  pain  in  the  bones.  Paralysis  of  the 
parts. 

Skin. — Rash  of  infants  and  nursing  females;  un- 
healthy skin.  Erysipelas ;  great  sensitiveness,  especially 
to  currents  of  air. 

Sle<p. — Drowsiness;  sleeplessness  or  soporous  condi- 
tion ;  anguish  during  sleep,  with  sudden  cries. 

Fever. — Shuddering  sensation  ;  great  sensitiveness  to 
the  cold  air.  Intermittent  fever,  with  nightly  exacer- 
bations; nausea,  vomiting;  colic  and  diarrho3a ;  heat 
with  shuddering,  inflammatory  and  gastric  fevers. 

Moral  Symptoms.  —  Great  restlessness ;  peevishness 
and  weeping. 

I/iti'l. — Oppressive  heaviness,  dizziness;  throbbing 
headache ;  hysteric,  nervous  or  catarrhal  headache. 

Eyes,  Ears,  and  None. — Twitchings  of  the  muscles  of 
the  eyes,  and  yellowness  of  the  whites ;  drawing  in  the 


CHAMOMILLA.  589 


ears,  and  discharge  from  the  ears;  swelling  of  the  parotid 
gland ;  bleeding  from  the  nose. 

jFa-ce,  Mouth  and  Throat. — Redness  and  burning  heat 
on  the  face,  particularly  of  one  cheek  while  the  other 
is  cold  and  pale ;  erysipelas  and  swelling  of  one  side  of 
the  face ;  convulsive  movement  of  the  facial  muscles ; 
sore  throat  with  swelling  of  the  parotids  ;  stinging  and 
burning  in  the  throat,  extending  to  the  mouth  and 
stomach.  Grumbling  and  drawing  toothache,  aggravated 
by  warm  drinks  and  sometimes  accompanied  by  swelling 
of  the  glands  and  stomach ;  nightly  toothache,  espe- 
cially in  the  warmth  of  bed ;  throbbing  and  jerking 
toothache. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Vomiting,  sometimes  sour 
preceded  by  nausea ;  acidity  of  the  stomach ;  painful 
bloatedness  and  weight  in  the  stomach  as  from  a  stone ; 
spasms  in  the  stomach,  particularly  after  the  use  of 
coffee  or  after  a  meal ;  flatulent  colic ;  tensive  or  com- 
pressive  pain  in  the  abdomen ;  abdominal  spasms ;  sen- 
sitiveness of  the  abdomen  to  the  touch. 

Faces  and  Genital  Organs. — Undigested  stools,  hot 
diarrhceic  stools,  with  putrid  smell,  smelling  like  rotten 
eggs  ;  green  or  watery  diarrhoea ;  nightly  diarrhoea  with 
colic ;  diarrhoea  during  dentition,  from  cold,  anger  or 
chagrin.  Corrosive  leucorrhoea;  cutting  colic  before 
the  monthly  period ;  profuse  menstruation,  sometimes 
with  labor-like  pains.  Affections  of  females  during  and 
after  pregnancy. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Wheezing,  hoarseness,  cough,  and 
rattling  of  mucus  in  the  throat.  Catarrhal  cough  of 
children ;  stitches  in  the  chest,  and  difficult  breathing. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Pain  in  the  back,  especially 
at  night,  nightly  pain  in  the  limbs,  sometimes  with 
paralytic  weakness. 


590  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


CHINA. 

Peruvian  Bark. 

Weakness  from  loss  of  animal  fluids.  Intermittent 
and  other  miasmatic  fevers ;  slow  and  chronic  fevers. 
Inaction  of  the  stomach,  liver  and  bowels.  Painful 
weariness  in  the  limbs ;  debility  with  disposition  to 
sweat;  weakness  with  trembling;  great  sensitiveness  to 
the  touch. 

Skin. — Yellow  color  of  the  skin  ;  swelling  of  the  limbs. 

Sleep. — Unrefreshing  sleep,  with  frightful  dreams. 

Fever. — Intermittent  fever  ;  shuddering  and  chilliness, 
followed  by  violent  fever,  hot  and  dry  skin,  and  this  by 
profuse  perspiration.  Acute  fevers  with  profuse  sweat. 
Hectic  and  putrid  fevers ;  exhausting  night-sweats  and 
sweat  easily  excited. 

Head. — Headache  from  suppressed  coryza.  Soreness 
or  bruised  sensation  of  the  brain  ;  aching  and  heaviness 
of  the  head ;  congestion  of  the  head,  with  heat  and 
fullness.  Sensation,  as  if  the  brain  were  balancing  to 
and  fro ;  headache,  aggravated  by  contact  or  currents 
of  air. 

Eyes,  Ears  and  Nose. — Incipient  amaurosis,  dimness 
and  weakness  of  sight,  with  sensation  as  of  black  motes 
floating  before  the  eyes.  Bleeding  of  the  nose  and 
mouth. 

Face  and  Mouth. — Pale  or  yellow  face.  Neuralgia, 
excited  by  the  slightest  touch ;  throbbing  toothache ; 
painful  swelling  of  the  tongue. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Bitter  taste  of  food;  great 
languor  and  drowsiness,  especially  after  eating  ;  oppres- 
sion of  the  stomach ;  nausea  and  vomiting  ;  swelling  and 
pain  in  the  liver ;  colic  with  nausea  or  thirst;  distension 
of  the  abdomen,  flatulent  colic  or  violent  pinching 
cutting  colic ;  dropsical  swellings,  and  asthmatic  suf- 
ferings. 


CINA.  591 

Fceces  and  Genital  Organs. — Constipation  and  heat, 
and  dizziness  in  the  head ;  loose  diarrhoeic  and  some- 
times undigested  stools,  exceedingly  variable  in  their 
color.  Suppression  of  the  menses  or  profuse  menses? 
with  discharge  of  clots  of  black  blood,  sometimes  with 
uterine  spasms  and  colic.  Leucorrhcea  before  the 
menses ;  bloody  leucorrhcea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Suffocative  or  spasmodic  cough, 
excited  by  laughing  or  movement.  Htemorrhage  from 
the  lungs.  Oppression  in  the  chest  and  soreness  in  the 
larynx  when  coughing,  difficult  breathing ;  suffocative 
catarrh,  and  paralysis  of  the  lungs  in  old  people,  stitches 
in  the  side  ;  congestion  to  the  chest. 

CINA. 

Worm  Seed. 

Affections  arising  from  worms.  Bronchial  catarrhs 
remaining  after  measles. 

Sleep. — Restlessness  with  colic  and  anguish. 

Nose  and  Face. — Picking  at  the  nose ;  stoppage  of 
the  nose ;  paleness  of  the  face,  especially  around  the 
lips  ;  grinding  of  the  teeth. 

Stomaeh  and  Abdomen. — Variable  appetite  or  exces- 
sive hunger ;  vomiting  of  worms  and  bilious  vomiting ; 
pinching  and  cutting  pain  in  the  abdomen,  writhing  in 
the  abdomen. 

Fceces. — Diarrhceic  movements  like  pap ;  itching  in 
the  anus ;  discharge  of  worms.  Turbid  and  milky  urine ; 
wetting  of  the  bed.  Cough  with  loss  of  consciousness  ; 
hoarse,  hollow  cough  or  dry  and  spasmodic.  Hooping 
cough,  preceded  by  rigidity  of  the  bowels,  especially 
in  tuberculous  children,  and  those  affected  with  worms. 
Oppression  of  the  chest. 

Extremities. — Paralytic  sensation  in  the  back  and  ex- 
tremities, contraction  and  twitching  of  the  muscles. 


592  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


COCCULUS. 
In di  a  n    C o c  k el . 

Derangement  of  digestive  organs ;  hysterical  affections ; 
paralytic  affections  and  convulsions  connected  with  men- 
struation. Paralysis  of  one  side.  Symptoms  are  aggra- 
vated by  drinking,  eating,  sleeping,  talking,  and  by  to- 
bacco and  coffee. 

Head. —  Dizziness  as  from  intoxication,  sometimes 
with  nausea ;  cloudiness  of  the  head ;  aching  pain  in 
the  forehead ;  lacerating  and  throbbing  headache,  as 
if  the  eyes  would  be  torn  out ;  sensation,  as  if  the  head 
were  empty. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Nausea  with  tendency  to 
faint ;  nausea  and  inclination  to  vomit,  especially  when 
riding  in  a  carriage  or  on  the  water;  vomiting  with 
headache  and  bruised  sensation  of  the  bowels ;  griping 
or  lacerating  pain  in  the  stomach  ;  flatulent  colic,  espe- 
cially at  night ;  distension  of  the  abdomen  ;  lacerating, 
cutting  pain  in  the  bowels. 

Genital  Organs. — Nervous  difficulties,  attending  men- 
struation ;  painful  menstruation  with  scanty  or  copious 
discharge  of  coagulated  blood.  Leucorrhcea  resembling 
serum  or  pus. 

Chest. — Oppression  of  the  chest  as  from  a  stone ;  hys- 
teric or  other  spasms  in  the  chest.  Palpitation  of  the 
heart  and  rush  of  blood  to  the  chest. 

Sack  and  Extremities. — Paralytic  pain  in  the  small 
of  the  back  and  sometimes  in  the  extremities.  Drawing 
lacerating  pain  in  the  joints ;  numb  sensation.  Hot 
swelling  in  the  hands  and  knees. 

COFFEA. 

Affections  of  the  nervous  system. 
Sleep. — Sleeplessness ;  drowsiness. 
General  Synvptoms. — Headache  as  if  the  brain  would 


COLCHICUM. COLOCYNTH.  593 

be  dashed  in  pieces ;  aching  pain  in  the  top  of  the 
head ;  headache  in  the  morning  and  on  stooping  for- 
ward ;  darting  in  the  teeth ;  toothache  with  restlessness 
and  anguish;  neuralgia;  violent  cutting,  shooting  or 
neuralgic  pain  in  the  howels  or  extremities.  Oppres- 
sion of  the  chest.  Convulsions  with  grinding  of  the 
teeth.  Pains  are  generally  worse  in  the  open  air. 

COLCHICUM. 
Meadow  Saffron. 

Rheumatic  and  arthritic  affections.  Fall  dysentery 
and  diarrhoea. 

Skin. — General  dropsy. 

General  Symptoms. — Swelling  of  the  abdomen,  and 
dropsy ;  colicky  pains  in  the  abdomen.  Violent  vomiting, 
with  trembling  and  spasms,  excited  by  every  motion ; 
disposition  to  diarrhoea ;  stools  preceded  by  colic ; 
bloody  stools  mixed  with  a  skinny  substance  or  a  jelly- 
like  mucus ;  burning  at  the  anus ;  constant  desire  to 
urinate,  sometimes  attended  with  pain  and  a  burning 
sensation.  Brown  or  black  urine,  sometimes  however 
depositing  a  white  sediment ;  difficulty  of  breathing, 
and  lacerating  cutting  pains  in  the  chest ;  dropsy  of  the 
chest  and  palpitation  of  the  heart.  Rheumatic  and 
arthritic  pains  in  the  back  and  extremities ;  most  of 
the  pains  are  aggravated  by  mental  exertion,  and  are 
worse  from  evening  till  morning. 

COLOCYNTH. 
Wild  Cucumber. 

Complaints  arising  from  indignation  or  grief.  Neu- 
ralgic affections  and  violent  colic. 

Head. — Pressing  headache,  most  violent  when  stooping 
or  lying  on  the  back :  headache  confined  to  one  side, 
increased  by  motion. 

Eyes,  Face  and  Teeth. — Burning  cutting  in  the  eyes 


594:  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


with  pain  in  the  head  ;  rheumatic  ophthalmia  ;  lacerat- 
ing and  tension,  or  hurning  and  stinging  in  one  side  of 
the  face,  extending  to  the  ear  and  head. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Nausea  and  vomiting,  some- 
times with  diarrhoea  ;  pain  in  the  stomach  after  eating  ; 
squeezing  or  cramp-like  pain  in  the  stomach ;  colic  and 
diarrhoea  after  the  least  nourishment ;  violent  griping 
colic ;  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels  as  from  knives ; 
bruised  feeling  in  the  bowels. 

Fceces.  —  Diarrhoea  with  tenesmus ;  dysentery  with 
griping  cramp-like  pain  in  the  bowels. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Paralytic  pain  in  the  muscles ; 
drawing  or  cutting  pain. 

C  O  N  I  U  M. 
Hemlock. 

Cancerous  affections.  Affections  of  old  people.  Tu- 
berculous difficulties.  Dropsy.  Paralysis. 

Skin. — Chronic  eruption.  Stinging  and  itching  sen- 
sation, as  from  flea-bites;  fetid  and  bleeding  ulcers 
with  tendency  to  gangrene ;  swelling  of  the  glands,  par- 
ticularly from  contusion ;  cancerous  ulcers. 

•Fever. — Catarrhal  fever  with  sore-throat  and  aching 
pain  in  the  throat ;  slow  fever  with  loss  of  appetite  and 
night-sweat. 

Head. — Stupefying  semilateral  headache,  sometimes 
with  nausea,  and  coming  on  in  the  morning  when 
waking ;  lacerating  headache,  especially  in  the  fore- 
head and  back  of  the  head.  Dropsy  of  the  brain.  Ver- 
tigo, dizziness,  and  wheeling  sensation  in  the  head,  espe- 
cially on  looking  around ;  apoplexy  and  paralysis  of  old 
people. 

Eyes,  Ears  and  Nose. — Heat  and  redness  of  the  eyes ; 
inflamed  eyelids  with  styes;  weakness  of  sight;  sensi- 
tiveness to  the  light;  fiery  sparks  or  dark  points  before 


CROCUS.  595 

the  eyes ;  tingling  or  roaring  in  the  ears.  Affections 
of  the  nose  from  abuse  of  Mercury. 

Face  and  Mouth. — Cancerous  ulcers  of  the  face  and 
lips ;  itching  and  gnawing  eruption.  Neuralgia  of  the 
face ;  drawing  or  darting  pain  in  the  teeth;  gums 
swollen  and  bleeding.  Sore  throat,  with  aching  and 
pain  on  swallowing. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Eructations  and  waterbrash; 
nausea  and  vomiting  during  pregnancy.  Contractive 
pinching  or  spasmodic  pains  in  the  stomach ;  swelling 
and  hardness  of  the  abdomen,  with  soreness.  Colic. 

Urinary  and  Genital  Organs. — Pain  in  passing  water. 
Diabetes.  Weakness  of  the  genital  organs.  Suppression 
of  or  feeble  menses,  accompanied  with  spasms  or  cutting 
pain ;  smarting  and  excoriating  leucorrhcea.  Profuse 
lochia.  Cancer  of  the  womb  and  breast. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Catarrhal  fever,  with  soreness  of 
the  chest.  Nightly  cough ;  dry  tickling  or  short  and 
convulsive  cough ;  hooping  cough,  with  bloody  expecto- 
ration. Cough  during  pregnancy,  and  also  in  scrofulous 
persons.  Shortness  of  breath,  particularly  when  taking 
exercise.  Asthma ;  shooting  pain  in  the  chest.  Palpi- 
tation of  the  heart. 

CROCUS. 

Saffron. 

General  Symptoms. — Restless  sleep  ;  staggering  and 
giddiness  on  raising  the  head.  Alternation  of  cheerful 
and  sad  humor  ;  absence  of  mind.  Bubbling  sensation 
in  the  abdomen.  Colic  as  if  from  a  cold,  or  as  if  the 
menses  would  make  their  appearance.  Profuse  menses 
of  black  slimy  blood.  Haemorrhage  from  the  womb  on 
slightest  movement.  Colic  and  dragging  pain  preceding 
the  menses.  Seething  of  the  blood,  as  if  the  body  were 
filled  with  moving  things. 


596  MATERIA    ME  DIG  A. 


CUPRUM. 

Copper. 

Convulsions  and  spasmodic  affections.  Spasmodic 
asthma.  Cholera.  Hooping  cough.  Diarrhoea. 

General  Symptom*. — General  convulsions  and  convul- 
sive movement  of  the  limbs.  Epileptic  convulsions; 
rigidity  of  the  limbs  and  trunk.  St.  Vitus  dance.  Great 
weakness  of  the  body.  Paralysis  and  nervous  affections. 

Head. — Insanity.  Painful,  hollow  sensation  in  the 
head  ;  violent  headache  ;  bruised  sensation  of  the  brain. 

Stomach. — Nausea ;  violent  vomiting  with  nausea  and 
diarrhoea ;  excessive  vomiting  with  colic  and  diarrhoea ; 
violent  pains  in  the  stomach  and  its  vicinity ;  pressure 
in  the  pit  of  the  stomach  ;  violent  spasms  in  the  abdomen 
or  cramp-like  pain,  also  in  the  upper  and  lower  limbs ; 
cutting  and  lacerating  in  the  bowels. 

Fcenes. — Constipation;  violent  and  profuse  diarrhoea. 
Asiatic  cholera. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Continued  hoarseness.  Short  and 
dry  cough-like  hooping  cough ;  cough  with  almost  sup- 
pressed breathing.  Cough  with  expectoration  of  blood ; 
spasmodic  cough  with  rattling  in  the  chest.  Asthma. 

Trunk  and  Extremities. — Twitching  of  the  muscles 
and  cramps  in  the  arms  and  legs. 

DIGITALIS. 

Foxglove. 

Painfulness  of  the  whole  body.  Nervous  affections. 
Convulsions.  Serous  apoplexy  of  old  people. 

Sleep. — Uneasy,  unrefreshing  sleep  or  lethargy. 

Head. — Dizziness  and  trembling.  Violent  lancinating 
headache ;  semi-lateral  headache,  sudden  cracking  in 
the  head. 

Eyes  and  Ears. — Throbbing  pain  in  the  orbits ;  red- 
ness of  the  eyes  with  stinging  pain ;  swelling  of  the  lids. 
21* 


DROSERA. DULCAMARA.  597 

Ophthalmia,  particularly  in  tuberculous  or  rheumatic 
individuals.  Amaurosis;  illusions  of  sight.  Hissing 
before  the  ears. 

Stomach  and,  Abdomen. — Nausea  and  vomiting ;  weak- 
ness of  the  stomach,  particularly  after  eating ;  pressure, 
lancinating  or  burning  in  the  stomach.  Dropsy  in  the 
bowels. 

Clvest. — Painful  asthma  ;  excoriating  pain  in  the  chest 
especially  on  coughing.  Derangement  of  the  circulation, 
indicated  by  the  beats  of  the  heart. 

DROSERA. 
Sun  Dew. 

Rapid  emaciation.  Bruised  sensation  of  the  limbs. 
Hooping  cough.  Epileptic  paroxysms,  with  subsequent 
sleep  and  discharge  of  blood. 

Fever.  —  Chilliness  and  shuddering.  Intermittent 
fever;  night-sweats;  fever  with  headache  and  spas- 
modic cough. 

Head. —  Dizziness  in  the  open  air.  Headache  on 
stooping ;  beating  and  hammering  in  the  forehead. 

Eyes  and  Ears. — Weakness  of  the  eyes  with  the  ap- 
pearance of  gauze  and  of  vibrations  before  them.  In- 
flammation of  the  ear. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Tickling  sensation  of  the  throat, 
producing  a  hacking  cough.  Pain  in  the  stomach  and 
region  of  the  liver.  Nightly  cough  ;  cough  with  vomit- 
ing ;  cough  with  expectoration  of  blood ;  chronic  ca- 
tarrh ;  hacking  cough ;  dry  spasmodic  cough  with  gag- 
ging ;  hooping  cough,  sometimes  with  haemorrhage 
from  the  mouth  and  nose ;  wheezing  breathing,  and 
suffocation. 

DULCAMARA . 

Sitter-  Sw  e  et. 
Affections  in  consequence  of  cold.    Eruptions. 


598  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


Skin.  —  Itching  and  stinging  eruptions  of  white 
blotches.  Herpetic  crusts  over  the  body. 

Head. — Stupefying  headache.  Congestion  of  the  head. 
Headache  aggravated  by  exercise  and  conversation. 

Face. — Warts  and  scurfy  eruptions  on  the  face. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Nausea.  Pressure  or  aching 
in  the  stomach ;  colic  as  if  from  cold,  or  as  if  diarrhoea 
would  come  on. 

Fveces. — Diarrhoea  from  cold,  and  accompanied  with 
colic,  particularly  in  the  summer  with  nocturnal  watery 
evacuations ;  slimy  white  or  mucous  diarrhoea ;  chronic, 
bloody  diarrhoea. 

EUPHRASIA. 

Eye  Bright. 

Affections  of  the  eyes. 

Eyes. — Smarting  or  stinging  in  the  eyes  with  redness. 
Inflammation,  ulceration  and  swelling  of  the  margin  of 
the  eyelids.  Eruption  around  the  eyes ;  sensitiveness 
to  light.  Rheumatic  ophthalmia. 

Nose. — Soreness  of  the  nose.  Profuse  bleeding  at  the 
nose  ;  profuse  fluent  coryza,  with  sneezing,  discharge  of 
mucus  and  smarting  tears  in  the  eyes. 

FERRUM. 
Aceticum.    Acetate  of  Iron. 

Great  weakness.  Emaciation  and  languor.  Haemor- 
rhage. Congestion  of  blood  and  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Fever. — Want  of  animal  heat,  shuddering  and  ex- 
hausting sweats.  Intermittent  Fever. 

Head.  —Dizziness,  with  reeling  sensation  and  heavi- 
ness. Rush  of  blood  to  the  head;  hammering  and 
throbbing  headache. 

Face. — Livid  or  jaundiced  complexion,  puffiness  of 
the  face. 

FoBces. — Chronic  diarrhoea,  frequent  stools  with  burn- 


GRAPHITIS.  599 

ing,  itching  or  gnawing  in  the  rectum,  and  sometimes 
with  discharge  of  ascarides. 

Genital  Organs. — Nocturnal  emissions.  Delay  of  the 
menses.  Miscarriage.  Whitish  leucorrhcea,  smarting 
and  corroding. 

Larynx  and  Ch-est. — Spasmodic  cough.  Cough  some- 
times with  bloody  expectoration,  also  of  bloody  phlegm. 
Asthma. 

GRAPHITIS. 

Black  Lead. 

Various  forms  of  eruptions.    Tuberculous  affections. 

Skin. — Dryness  of  the  skin.  Itching  pimples ;  spots 
like  flea-bites ;  unhealthy  skin,  every  little  itching  pro- 
ducing suppuration  ;  thickness  of  the  nails ;  boils.  Her- 
petic  and  other  eruptions. 

Head. — Itching  of  the  scalp.  Humid  and  scabby 
eruptions  on  the  head  ;  burning  on  the  top  of  the  head, 
headache  especially  in  the  morning  on  waking. 

Eyes. — Redness  of  the  eyes.  Painful  inflammation 
of  the  lids ;  profuse  secretion  of  tears ;  intolerance  of 
light. 

Ears. — Eruptions  around  and  in  the  ears ;  ulcerative 
pain  in  the  ears  ;  bloody  discharge,  or  discharge  of  pus 
in  the  ear.  Roaring  in  the  ear. 

TVose. — Soreness  and  swelling  of  the  nose  ;  scabs  and 
dry  soreness  in  the  nose ;  sore,  cracked  and  ulcerated 
nostrils.  Bleeding  at  the  nose. 

Face  and  Teeth. — Erysipelas.  Incipient  paralysis.  Ul- 
cerated corners  of  the  mouth,  and  eruptions  of  the  face ; 
swelling  of  the  glands  and  of  the  gums,  stinging  tooth- 
ache, especially  at  night,  with  heat  in  the  face. 

Stomach. — Weakness  of  digestion.  Nausea  and  vo- 
miting. 

Fceces. — Constipation.     Haemorrhoidal  tumors. 

Genital  organs. — Itching  and  smarting  eruptions  on  the 


600  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


labia.  Soreness  between  limbs ;  itching  in  the  genital 
organs.  Derangement  of  the  menses,  generally  delayed 
and  insufficient. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Pain  and  stiffness  in  the  nape 
of  the  neck  and  back.  Eruptions.  Arthritic  nodosities 
on  the  fingers.  Soreness  between  the  thighs.  Ulcers 
and  Herpes  on  different  parts  of  the  extremities. 

HELLEBORUS  -  NIGER. 
Black  Hellebore. 

Dropsical  affections ;  affections  of  the  head  and  nervous 
system. 

Skin. — Rash;  watery  swelling  of  the  skin;  general 
dropsy  especially  after  suppressed  eruptions. 

Head. — Inflammation  of  the  brain;  hydrocephalus ; 
dullness  of  the  head  and  heaviness ;  painful  stupefaction 
of  the  head ;  violent  headache  with  heaviness. 

face. — (Edematous  swelling  of  the  face  and  lips. 

HEPAR-SULPHURIS. 
Sulphuret  of  Lime. 

Skin  and  glandular  affections.  Affections  from  the 
abuse  of  Mercury.  Croup  and  other  inflammatory  coughs. 
Chronic  coughs. 

Skin. — Chapped  skin.  Unhealthy  skin;  injuries  pro- 
duce suppuration.  Nettle  rash. 

fever. — Burning  feverish  head,  red  face,  violent  head- 
ache during  the  night ;  profuse  sweat. 

Head. — Headache  when  shaking  the  head  ;  aching  in 
the  forehead,  like  a  boil  as  if  bruised ;  headache  in  the 
night  or  in  the  morning  on  waking.  Blotches  and  humid 
eruptions  on  the  scalp ;  falling  off  of  hair.  Boring-  pain 
at  the  root  of  the  nose. 

Eyes. — Erysipelatous  swelling  of  the  eyes  with  soreness 
and  bruised  pain  in  the  limbs.  Redness,  inflammation 
and  swelling  of  the  eyelids,  sometimes  with  styes  and 


HEPAR-SULPHURIS.  601 


ulcerated   edges.      Specks   and    ulcers   of   the   cornea, 
dimness  of  sight. 

Ears. — Scurfs  in  and  behind  the  ears;  itching,  inflam- 
mation of  the  ears  and  discharge  of  pus ;  hardness  of 
hearing. 

Nose. — Itching  of  the  nose  and  formation  of  scurfs 
and  scabs.  Coryza.  Inflammatory  swelling  of  the  nose, 
bleeding  at  the  nose. 

Face. — Erysipelatous  swelling  of  the  cheeks.  Pain  of 
the  bones  of  the  face,  when  touching  them.  Pimples  on 
the  face  of  young  people  ;  swelling  of  the  lips.  Ulcers 
or  itching  pimples  on  the  chin  and  around  the  mouth. 
Swelling  of  the  gums,  looseness  of  the  teeth  and  jerking 
toothache. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Frequent  attacks  of  nausea 
with  coldness  and  paleness ;  swelling  and  suppuration  of 
the  inguinal  glands. 

Fences. — Diarrhoea  with  colic  and  tenesmus ;  dysenteric 
diarrhoea ;  bloody  or  clay-colored  stools,  soreness  of  the 
rectum. 

Urine. — Wetting  the  bed  at  night,  irritation  of  the 
urethra  and  discharge  of  mucus. 

Genital  Organs. — Weakness  of  the  genital  organs. 
Leucorrhoea  with  smarting. 

Throat.—  Sensation  as  of  swelling  in  the  throat  on 
swallowing,  rawness,  roughness  or  scraping  sensation  in 
the  throat ;  stitches  or  stinging  in  the  throat,  as  if  caused 
by  a  splinter,  especially  on  taking  a  deep  inspiration  or 
turning  the  head;  swelling  of  the  tonsils. 

Larynx. — Seated  pain  in  the  larynx ;  hoarseness;  deep, 
dry  and  violent  cough,  especially  in  the  evening,  frequent- 
ly brought  on  by  exposing  any  part  of  the  body  to  the 
cold;  violent  cough,  affecting  the  head  and  followed  by 
sneezing  or  creeping. 

Chest. — Hoarse,    frequent    and   wheezing    breathing, 
26 


602  MATERIA    MEDIC  A. 


danger  of  suffocation  when  lying  down.     Spasmodic  con- 
striction of  the  chest. 

Back  emd  Extremities. — Weakness  in  the  whole  spine, 
bruised  or  drawing  sensation  in  the  small  of  the  back. 
Ulceration  and  suppuration  of  the  axillary  glands ;  bruised 
sensation  in  the  arms.  Nettle  rash  and  swelling  on  the 
hands,  fingers  and  joints.  Panaris.  Swelling  of  the 
knees.  Cracks  and  ulcerations  of  the  feet  and  toes. 

H  YOSCIAMUS. 

Henbane. 

Convulsions;  spasmodic  affections  and  other  derange- 
ments of  the  nervous  system;  sleeplessness,  hydrocephalus 
and  other  affections  of  the  brain. 

Skin. — Creeping  and  itching  sensation  in  the  skin, 
redness  of  the  skin  and  rash  from  abuse  of  Belladonna. 

Sleep. — Drowsiness ;  sleeplessness,  sometimes  with  con- 
vulsions and  concussions,  as  if  occasioned  by  fright; 
grasping  at  flocks ;  frightful  dreams,  moaning,  grinding 
of  the  teeth,  and  starting  from  sleep. 

Fever. — Burning  heat  of  the  blood. 

Moral  Symptoms. — Fearfulness,  violent  delirium,  stupe- 
faction, loss  of  sense,  alternations  of  ease  and  rage, 
screaming  and  sleeplessness. 

llto/L — Delirium  with  muttering,  or  great  excitability; 
mental  derangement  of  drunkards.  Dizziness;  inflam- 
mation of  the  brain;  hydrocephalus;  stupefying  head- 
ache, especially  in  the  forehead ;  undulating  sensation  in 
the  brain,  and  headache  with  unnatural  heat 

Eyes. — Illusions  of  sight,  staring  and  distorted  eyes ; 
eyes  red  and  sparkling ;  twitching  of  the  lids,  sometimes 
with  swelling.  Nocturnal  blindness  and  spasmodic  clos- 
ing of  the  lids. 

Mouth  and  T/ir ..<rf. — Lacerating  toothache  with  con- 
gestion of  blood  to  the  head,  sensation  as  if  the  teeth 
where  elongated,  burning  and  dryness  of  the  tongue  and 


IGNATIA.  603 

lips  ;  partial  or  entire  paralysis  of  the  tongue  and  throat; 
burning  and  dry  ness  in  the  throat  with  difficulty  in 
swallowing. 

Genital  Organs. — Profuse  menstruation  of  bright,  red 
blood.  Puerperal  fever. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Dry  spasmodic  cough,  particularly 
at  night,  as  if  occasioned  by  tickling  in  the  throat,  espe- 
cially when  lying  down,  and  attended  with  redness  of 
the  face.  Difficulty  of  breathing ;  spasms  of  the  chest. 

IGNATIA. 

Hysteric  affections,  also  convulsive  or  spasmodic  dis- 
orders, especially  when  occasioned  by  fright  or  grief. 
Nervous  affections  of  infants.  Great  excitability  of  the 
nervous  system  ;  pain  from  the  least  touch. 

Skin. — Itching  of  the  skin  and  great  sensitiveness  to 
a  draft  of  air. 

Sleep. — Restless  sleep  with  sudden  starting,  unpleasant 
dreams,  waking  with  spasmodic  yawning. 

Head. — Headache,  increased  by  stooping,  and  relieved 
by  lying  on  the  back ;  aching  and  cramp-like  headache 
over  the  root  of  the  nose,  or  as  if  something  hard  were 
pressed  on  the  brain,  recurring  in  paroxysms ;  headache 
as  if  a  nail  were  driven  into  the  head. 

Eyes. — Sensation  in  the  eyes  as  of  sand  with  inflamma- 
tion; sensitiveness  to  light.  Scrofulous  ophthalmia; 
convulsive  movements  of  the  eyes  and  eyelids;  con- 
vulsive face ;  convulsive  twitchings  and  distortions  of 
the  muscles. 

Throat. — Stitches  from  the  throat  to  the  ear;  difficulty 
of  swallowing  or  sensation,  as  if  the  food  passed  over 
a  lump ;  pain  in  the  throat  and  in  the  submaxillary 
glands. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Hiccough  after  eating  or 
drinking;  periodical  pains  in  the  stomach,  disturbing 
rest ;  sensation  in  the  stomach  as  if  from  fasting ;  perio- 


604  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


dical  abdominal  spasms,  especially  in  hysteric  individuals; 
flatulent  colic  particularly  at  night. 

Facets. — Diarrhceic  stools  with  colic  and  rumbling  in 
the  abdomen ;  constipation  from  cold ;  itching  and 
soreness  of  the  rectum. 

Genital  Orgatis. — Derangement  of  the  nervous  system, 
during  the  menses,  the  blood  being  black,  and  generally 
coagulated. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Chronic  nightly  cough ;  concussive, 
spasmodic  cough,  especially  on  waking ;  oppression  of 
the  chest.  Palpitation  of  the  heart,  especially  at  night 
with  stitches. 

IMPONDERABILIA. 
Electricity.     Galvanism.    Magnetism. 

In  the  above  group  we  include  electricity,  however 
excited,  whether  by  the  galvanic  or  magnetic  battery,  or 
animal  magnetism. 

This  agent  produces  a  powerful  effect  in  paralysis,  and 
other  affections  produced  by  derangements  of  the  nervous 
system,  in  rheumatic  and  arthritic  affections,  especially 
of  the  chronic  form,  contractions  of  the  muscles  and 
stiffness  of  the  joints.  It  is  also  invaluable  in  asphyxia 
and  apparent  death,  and  in  general  inaction  of  the  whole 
system.  The  application  of  this  powerful  agent  requires 
much  care  and  correct  judgment.  The  electric  current 
should  be  light  at  first,  gradually  increasing  as  circum- 
stances indicate.  The  poles  of  the  battery  should  be  so 
applied,  that  a  continuous  current  should  be  sent  through 
the  length  of  the  muscles  and  along  the  course  of  the 
nerves.  Every  person  possesses  a  certain  amount  of 
animal  magnetism,  although  some  possess  it  to  a  much 
greater  degree  than  others.  Where  there  is  great  nervous 
excitability,  pain,  and  sleeplessness,  a  few "  magnetic 
passes  will  often  produce  immediate  relief.  The  will  of 
the  operator  should  be  strongly  concentrated  on  the 


IPECACUANHA.  605 


patient.  The  hand  should  be  gently  moved  over  the 
parts,  making  the  passes  downward ;  or  the  hands  may 
be  pressed  gently  on  the  parts  for  a  moment,  removed 
and  applied  again.  When  the  magnetic  effect  has  been 
too  powerful,  it  may  be  relieved  by  reversing  the  passes. 

IPECACUANHA. 

Coughs,  fevers,  and  affections  produced  by  a  derange- 
ment of  the  stomach  and  bowels ;  gastric  and  bilious 
fevers,  intermittent  fever,  &c. 

Fever. — Shuddering  and  yawning  and  great  sensitive- 
ness to  cold  and  heat ;  external  coldness  and  internal 
heat.  Intermittent  fever  with  an  absence  of  the  sweat- 
ing stage. 

Head. — Headache  as  if  the  brain  and  skull  were 
bruised ;  aching  pain  in  the  head,  especially  over  the 
eyes ;  headache  with  sickness  of  the  stomach. 

Nose. — Coryza  with  stoppage  of  the  nose,  and  pain  in 
the  forehead,  frequent  sneezing. 

Stomach. — Nausea  and  effort  to  vomit  and  vomiting; 
vomiting  of  mucus  and  various  other  substances ;  vomit- 
ing with  diarrhoea.  Colic  of  children ;  flatulent  colic ; 
griping  and  pinching  in  the  bowels. 

Faces. — Diarrhoeic,  fermented  stools;  diarrhoea  with 
nausea  and  vomiting;  dysenteric  stools,  sometimes  of 
bloody  mucus  and  with  tenesmus. 

Genital  Organs. — Profuse  menstrual  discharge  of 
bright,  red  and  coagulated  blood. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Rattling  in  the  bronchial  tubes, 
suffocative  cough;  cough  without  eruption,  in  the  cold 
air,  excited  by  a  tickling  in  the  throat  or  deep  inspira- 
tion, and  sometimes  accompanied  with  nausea  and  head- 
ache ;  ordinary  catarrhal  cough. 

Chest. — Asthma,  palpitation  of  the  heart  and  oppression 
of  the  chest 


606  MATERTA    MEDICA. 


IODINE. 

Scrofulous  affections ;  abdominal  phthisis. 

Skin. — Rough,  dry  skin,  and  unhealthy  eruptions, 
especially  tuberculous  persons.  Glandular  swellings  and 
indurations ;  night-sweat. 

Eyes  and  Ears. — Sore  and  inflamed  eyes  ;  hardness  of 
hearing. 

Abdomen. — Pinching  and  aching  colic;  swelling  of  the 
inguinal  glands. 

Genital  Organs. — Corroding  leucorrhcea;  delaying  of 
the  menstrual  functions. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Pain  in  the  larynx ;  inflammation 
of  the  trachea ;  hoarseness  in  the  morning ;  dry,  short 
cough,  especially  in  the  morning,  sometimes  with  stitches 
in  the  chest,  and  bloody  expectoration.  Great  difficulty 
in  breathing ;  violent  pulsations  in  the  chest ;  sore  pain 
in  the  chest. 

Back  and  Limbs. — Rheumatic  pain  and  swelling  in 
the  limbs  and  joints;  glandular  swellings.  Dropsical  or 
inflammatory  swelling  of  the  knee. 

KALI-CARBONICUM. 

Carbonate  of  Potash. 

Chronic  and  protracted  disorders  attended  with  debility ; 
dropsical  accumulations ;  hectic,  consumptive  and  low 
nervous  fevers ;  derangement  of  menstruation  in  feeble 
constitutions ;  abcesses ;  chronic  inflammation  of  the  eyes 
and  ears;  glandular  affections  and  affections  of  the  liver 
and  stomach. 

Skin. — Dryness  of  the  skin;  burning  itching  of  the 
whole  body;  scaly  or  red  spots.  Herpes.  Old  warts. 
Abdominal  and  general  dropsy. 

Sleep. — Drowsiness  in  the  day  time ;  restless  nights, 
and  sleep  full  of  fanciful  dreams;  starting  when  asleep, 
congestion  of  blood  and  gnashing  of  teeth.  Nightmare. 


KALI    CARBONICUM.  607 


Excessive  pain  in  the  body  at  night,  like  strokes  of  a 
hammer. 

Fever. — Night-sweat ;  shuddering  and  internal  chilli- 
ness, sometimes  with  thirst  or  internal  heat. 

Head. — Weak  memory  and  sometimes  loss  of  conscious- 
ness ;  dullness  and  stupid  feeling  in  the  head  as  if  from 
intoxication;  dizziness  as  from  walking.  Headache  when 
riding  in  a  carriage,  or  when  sneezing  or  coughing; 
aching  pain  sometimes  in  the  whole  head,  the  eyes,  fore- 
head or  back  of  the  head,  aggravated  by  contact,  some- 
times accompanied  with  nausea,  and  frequently  going  off 
in  the  open  air ;  seething  of  the  blood  through  the  head. 
Stitches  and  throbbing  pain  through  the  forehead  and 
sides  of  the  head,  frequently  intermitting.  Liability  of 
the  head  to  take  cold,  with  headache  and  toothache. 
Scurf  on  the  head,  with  itching  pimples. 

Eyes. — Soreness  and  burning  in  the  eyes  with  feeling 
as  of  sand.  Lids  stuck  together  with  matter  in  the  morn- 
ing ;  swelling  and  inflammation  of  the  lids ;  sensitive  to 
light,  colors  and  sparks  before  the  eyes,  black  points, 
spots  and  gauze  before  the  eyes  or  in  the  open  air. 

Ears. — Severe  pain  in  the  ears;  itching,  swelling  and 
suppuration  in  the  ear  with  discharge  of  matter ;  swell- 
ing of  the  parotid  gland.  Partial  deafness  with  various 
noises  in  the  ears. 

Nose  and  Face. — Pimples  on  the  nose,  sore,  scurfy,  or 
ulcerated  nostrils ;  bleeding  of  the  nose ;  obstructions  of 
the  nose.  Old  eruptions,  warts,  ulcers,  and  burning 
itching  of  the  face. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Toothache  when  eating,  and  when 
the  teeth  are  touched  by  either  cold  or  warm  substances. 
Inflammation  of  the  gums  and  looseness  of  the  teeth. 
Swelling  of  the  tongue,  and  painful  vesicles  in  the  inner 
mouth.  Sore  pain  in  the  throat  or  scraping  sensation, 
especially  when  swallowing  food. 

Stomach. — Drowsiness  during  and  after  a  meal,  and 


603  MATERIA    MEDICA. 

sense  of  fullness  in  the  stomach;  acidity  in  the  stomach 
and  sour  eructations  ;  nausea,  sometimes  with  faintness, 
or  as  if  the  stomach  were  empty,  or  deranged ;  pressure ; 
spasmodic,  cutting,  sore  or  throbbing  pain  in  the  stomach, 
which  is  also  painful  to  the  touch.  Pressure,  stitches, 
burning  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver. 

Abdomen. — Distension  of  the  abdomen ;  colic  with 
eructations;  inactivity,  coldness  or  uneasiness  in  the 
abdomen;  flatulent  colic;  abdominal  dropsy. 

Faces. — Burning  at  the  anus  after  stool,  itching  of  the 
anus.  Large  painful  varices. 

Urinary  and  Genital  Organs. — Long-continued,  con- 
tusive  pain  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  especially  in 
the  afternoon  when  sitting.  Frequent  desire  to  urinate ; 
turbid  urine,  sometimes  with  brick-dust  sediment  and 
burning  in  the  urethra.  Swelling  of  the  testes.  Sore- 
ness, burning  and  itching  about  the  female  genitals. 
Menstrual  blood,  acrid,  having  a  bad  pungent  smell. 
Suppression  of  the  menses,  with  dropsy,  leucorrhoea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Hoarseness  and  night-cough,  and 
short,  hacking  or  spasmodic  cough,  sometimes  causing 
vomiting.  Oppressed  and  difficult  breathing.  Asthma, 
spasms  and  lacerating  or  cutting  pain  in  the  chest. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Violent  pain  in  the  back  and 
extremities,  sometimes  stiffness,  paralytic  sensation  or  a 
bruised  pain.  Dropsical  swelling,  pimples  and  excoria- 
tion, swelling  of  the  glands.  Stitches  or  pressure  in  the 
region  of  the  kidneys,  pulsative  or  throbbing  sensation. 

KALI-BICHROMICUM. 

Bichromate  of  Potash. 

In  addition  to  many  of  the  symptoms  indicated  in  the 
previous  remedy,  the  most  important  indications  for  the 
selection  of  this  drug,  are  to  be  found  in  connection  with 
the  respiratory  organs. 

Larynx  and  CJwst. — Old  coughs,  obstinate  colds  and 


KREOSOTE. LACHESIS.  609 


coughs,  and  derangements  which  threaten  to  terminate 
in  consumption.  Asthmatic  affections.  Dropsy  of  the 
chest.  Cough  with  slate-colored  sputa.  Aching  pain 
as  of  ulceration  in  the  larynx.  Wheezing  cough.  Stuff- 
ing cough,  as  if  the  air  passages  were  clogged  with  mucus ; 
danger  of  suffocation.  This  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in 
membranous  croup.  For  particular  indications  see  that 
disease. 

KREASOTE. 

This  remedy  is  particularly  useful  in  old  ulcers  and 
cancerous  affections,  especially  of  the  stomach.  Hemor- 
rhage, also  in  chronic  leucorrhcea ;  bleeding  from  the 
womb ;  profuse  menses  with  discharges  of  dark  or  badly 
smelling  blood. 

LACHESIS. 
Poison  of  the  Lance-headed  Viper. 

Particularly  against  the  effects  of  intoxication  or  the 
abuse  of  Mercury;  also  in  severe  and  protracted  fevers 
and  nervous  disorders.  Erysipelas ;  and  various  diseases 
where  there  is  a  sinking  of  the  vital  powers,  and  where 
there  is  a  tendency  to  suppuration  or  mortification. 

General  Symptoms. — Great  weakness  of  the  body; 
paralysis.  Hemiphlegia.  Convulsions  with  rigidity  of 
the  limbs. 

Skin. — Erysipelas,  particularly  where  there  is  a  ten- 
dency to  suppuration,  gangrenous  blisters ;  ulcers  with 
fetid  discharge. 

Moral  Emotions. — Melancholy  during  pregnancy.  In- 
sanity with  a  tendency  towards  suspicion  or  malice. 

Head. — Fullness  and  dullness  of  the  head,  weakness 
of  the  memory  and  great  difficulty  in  thinking.  Affec- 
tions of  drunkards.  Dizziness,  particularly  on  closing 
the  eyes.  Apoplectic  fits  with  distortion  of  the  facial 
muscles  and  sometimes  hemiphlegia.  Acute  dropsy  of 
the  brain ;  daily  headache  with  languor,  drowsiness  and 
26* 


610  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


loss  of  appetite;  headache  from  the  heat  of  the  sun; 
headache  after  a  cold  and  also  daily  in  the  morning, 
sometimes  with  nausea  and  vomiting ;  undulating  pulsa- 
tive  beating  in  the  head,  sometimes  with  twinkling  before 
the  eyes. 

Eye$)  Ears  and  Nose. — Inflammation  of  the  eyes  and 
lids,  ulcers  on  the  cornea.  Soreness  and  scurfs  on  the 
ears,  scurfs  and  soreness  of  the  nose,  with  discharge  of 
yellow  matter  and  blood. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Lockjaw.  Toothache  with  swell- 
ing of  the  teeth  and  gums.  Salivation.  Paralysis  of 
the  tongue  after  apoplexy.  Difficulty  of  speech.  Sore- 
ness, swelling  or  gangrene  of  the  tongue.  Sore  and 
burning  pain  in  the  throat  with  scarlet  redness,  ulcera- 
tion  and  great  difficulty  in  swallowing. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Nausea  and  vomiting,  some- 
times in  paroxysms  and  accompanied  with  diarrhoea,  and 
especially  of  drunkards  and  pregnant  females.  Swell- 
ing and  indurations  of  the  glands.  Hard  and  distended 
abdomen.  Inflammation  and  abscess  of  the  liver. 

Faeces. — Chronic  constipation  or  alternate  constipation 
and  diarrhoea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Swelling  and  pain  in  the  larynx. 
The  symptoms  are  generally  worse  at  night,  cough  oc- 
casioned by  ulcers  in  the  throat.  Cough  with  bloody  or 
purulent  expectorations.  Shortness  of  breath,  pains  as 
from  soreness  in  the  chest.  Pneumonia.  Affections  of 
the  heart. 

LYCOPODIUM. 

Wolfsfoot. 

Skin. — Itching.  Herpetic  spots  ;  humid  suppurating 
herpes.  Fistulous,  mercurial  and  carious  ulcers.  Boils 
returning  periodically.  Chilblains.  Glandular  swellings. 
Arthritic  nodes. 

Head. — Rush  of  blood  to  the  head  in  the  morning  on 


MERCURITJS.  611 


waking.  Rheumatic  headache  ;  headache  from  chagrin. 
Eruptions  on  the  head,  swelling  of  the  glands,  sometimes 
suppurating. 

EyeS)  Ears  and  Nose. — Vertical  half-sightedness  ;  ex- 
cessive sensitiveness  of  hearing  and  sight;  drawing  in 
the  teeth  and  swelling  and  ulceration  of  the  gums. 
Chronic  sore  throat.  Ulcers  of  the  tonsils. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Pain  in  the  stomach  after  a 
meal  or  on  taking  a  slight  cold,  with  sensitiveness  to  the 
touch ;  distended  ahdomen ;  glandular  swellings  in  the 
groins,  and  grumbling  and  gurgling  in  the  bowels. 

Fwces. — Chronic  costiveness  and  constipation,  some- 
times with  tenesmus. 

Larynx  and  Chest — Cough,  particularly  at  night, 
sometimes  with  bloody  or  purulent  expectoration ;  short- 
ness of  breath  from  the  slightest  motion.  Palpitation 
of  the  heart.  .  •  ' 

Back  and  Extremities. — Swelling  of  the  glands.  Rheu- 
matic pains  in  the  muscles,  and  aching  redness  and 
lacerating  pains  in  the  joints. 

MERCURIUS. 

Under  this  head  we  shall  include  the  indications  for 
the  various  forms  of  Mercury,  as  the  symptoms  indicat- 
ing the  use  of  this  drug  will  generally  be  relieved  by 
either  Mercurius  Solubilis^  JHercurius  Corrosivu-s  or 
Mercurius  Vivus. — The  former,  however,  is  better  in- 
dicated in  sore  throat,  glandular  swellings,  and  suppu- 
ration. The  Corrosivus  in  dysenteric  affections,  and  the 
Vivus  in  the  general  derangements,  which  seem  to  in- 
dicate the  use  of  Mercury. 

General  Indications. — Swelling,  inflammation  and  sup- 
puration of  the  glands.  Scrofulous,  catarrhal,  rheu- 
matic or  syphilitic  ophthalmia.  Rheumatic  or  arthritic 
pains  in  the  joints  and  limbs,  especially  at  night;  aching 
in  the  bones.  Rheumatic  headache,  toothache,  and 


612  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


neuralgia;  emaciation;  profuse  perspiration  at  night, 
especially  in  slow  fevers. 

Skin. — Glandular  swellings  with  beating,  stinging 
and  suppuration ;  swelling  and  caries  of  the  bones. 
Carious  ulcers ;  spreading  ulcers,  either  healthy  or 
malignant ;  syphilitic  ulcers.  Itching  eruption  with 
burning ;  eruptions  readily  bleeding. 

Fever. — Copious  sweat,  night  and  day. 

Head. — Nightly  headache.  Catarrhal  and  rheumatic 
headache.  Pain  of  the  skull  bone ;  swelling  of  the 
head,  the  scalp  sensitive  to  the  touch.  Itching  and 
humid  eruption  on  the  scalp. 

Eyes. — Inflammation  with  itching  and  burning  of  the 
eyes ;  ophthalmia ;  swelling,  redness  and  ulceration  of 
the  margin  of  the  eyelid;  scurfs  around  the  eyes  and 
ulcers  in  the  cornea. 

Ears.— Swelling  of  the  parotid  gland;  soreness  and 
excoriation  in  the  ear,  sometimes  with  discharge  of  pus. 

Nos* — Swelling  and  ulceration  of  the  nose;  coryza, 
sneezing. 

Face. — Yellow  scurf  on  the  face.  Swelling  of  the 
face  with  toothache.  Cracks  of  the  lips  and  ulcers  on 
the  corners  of  the  mouth. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Looseness  of  the  teeth  and  swell- 
ing of  the  gums ;  gums  recede  from  the  teeth  and  are 
sometimes  ulcerated  or  bleeding ;  violent  toothache,  par- 
ticularly at  night ;  pain  in  decayed  teeth  with  swelling 
in  the  face ;  also  swelling  in  the  submaxillary  glands, 
with  stinging  and  throbbing.  Salivation.  Fetid  smell 
from  the  mouth ;  swelling  of  the  mouth  ;  aphthae ;  ulcers 
and  sores  in  the  mouth.  Stinging  pains  in  the  throat, 
especially  when  swallowing ;  sore  throat  with  difficult 
swallowing  ;  elongation  and  swelling  of  the  uvula.  In- 
flammatory swelling  and  ulceration  of  the  tonsils;  sy- 
philitic ulcers  in  the  throat,  the  soreness  frequently  ex- 
tends to  the  ears  and  the  glands  of  the  throat  and  neck ; 


MOSCHUS. —  MURIATIC-ACID.  613 

the  pains  are  usually  aggravated  by  empty  deglutition, 
at  night,  in  the  cool  air,  or  when  speaking. 

Stomach. — Empty  eructations  ;  headache  and  nausea. 
Painfulness  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  sometimes  with 
burning  or  ulcerative  pain,  weight  in  the  stomach,  espe- 
cially after  a  meal.  Swelling,  hardness  and  ulcerative 
pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver. 

Abdomen. — Colic  from  cold  with  diarrhoea,  passing  off 
in  a  recumbent  posture ;  soreness  and  distension  of  the 
abdomen,  syphilitic  and  scrofulous  swellings  of  the  in- 
guinal glands,  sometimes  with  suppuration. 

Faces. — Constant  desire  for  stool  with  straining,  tenes- 
mus  and  a  very  slight  discharge,  which  may  be  either 
of  blood  or  bloody  mucus,  or  present  the  appearance  of 
the  scrapings  of  the  intestines.  Bloody  stools  with  pain- 
ful acrid  sensation  at  the  anus.  Stools  preceded  or  ac- 
companied with  nausea,  chilliness  and  anguish ;  stools 
like  chopped  eggs.  Green,  slimy,  putrid,  acid,  or  bilious 
stools. 

Larynx. — Catarrh  with  shivering  cough,  dread  of  the 
open  air  ;  hoarseness  and  loss  of  voice.  Violent  racking 
or  spasmodic  cough,  with  violent  pain  in  the  head,  short- 
ness of  breath  on  going  up-stairs,  when  walking  or  after 
a  meal.  Pain  in  the  side  at  every  inspiration. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Swelling  of  the  glands,  lace- 
rating pain  in  the  bones  and  joints,  especially  at  night. 

MOSCHUS. 

Musk. 

An  invaluable  remedy  in  the  various  forms  of  nervous 
affections ;  hysteric  spasms,  &c. 

MURIATIC-ACID. 

This  is  a  very  valuable  remedy  in  the  last  stage  of 
typhoid  or  putrid  fevers,  where  there  is  sliding  down  in 
the  bed,  black  and  swollen  lips. 


614  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


NATRUM-MURIATICUM. 

Effects  produced  by  the  loss  of  animal  fluids,  scro- 
fulous paralytic,  and  hysteric  affections  ;  great  liability 
to  take  cold.  Intermittent  fevers. 

Fever. — Chilliness  and  want  of  animal  heat.  Inter- 
mittent fever  with  yellow  or  livid  complexion ;  pain  in 
the  bones ;  headache,  debility,  and  loss  of  appetite  ; 
fever,  generally  coming  on  towards  morning.  Inter- 
mittent fevers  from  abuse  of  Cinchona.  Typhoid  fevers 
with  debility ;  dryness  of  the  tongue  and  great  thirst ; 
profuse  sweat. 

Head. — Oppressive  or  stupefying  headache,  especially 
in  the  morning.  Congestion  of  the  head.  Scurf  and 
itching-eruption  on  the  head. 

jEyes,  Ears  and  Nose. — Inflammation  of  the  eyes  with 
excoriating  pain  and  discharge  of  acrid  tears.  Dim- 
sightedness  and  incipient  amaurosis,  sensations  of  gauze- 
black  points  or  flashes  of  light  before  the  eyes.  Coryza 
with  sneezing  and  obstruction  of  the  nose. 

Face. — Aching  in  the  bones  of  the  face,  lips  dry, 
cracked,  and  smarting  with  ulcers  in  the  corners  of  the 
mouth  and  in  the  throat.  Swelling  of  the  submaxillary 
glands.  Toothache  on  drawing  in  air,  after  a  meal  or  at 
night;  sometimes  with  swelling  of  the  cheeks  and  gums; 
ulcers  on  the  gums,  salivation  ;  burning  vesicles  on  the 
tongue. 

Faces. — Burning  and  painful  varices  in  the  anus.  Con- 
stipation. Haemorrhoidal  tumors ;  watery  diarrhoea. 

Genital  Organs. — Leucorrhcea  sometimes  acrid  and 
corrosive. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Cough  from  tickling  in  the  throat, 
particularly  when  walking  or  taking  a  deep  breath; 
cough  in  the  morning  and  after  going  to  bed,  .with  vio- 
lent pain  in  the  forehead ;  soreness  of  the  chest,  and 
wheezing  breathing.  Palpitation  of  the  heart,  irregular 
beats  of  the  heart. 


NITRIC-ACID.  615 


NITRIC-ACID. 

This  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in  affections  from  the 
abuse  of  Mercury.  Syphilitic  and  sycotic,  and  also  in 
rheumatic  difficulties.  There  are  lacerating  and  draw- 
ing pain  in  the  whole  body,  and  in  the  bones,  easily 
taking  cold,  emaciation ;  pains  are  usually  worse  towards 
evening. 

Head. — Congestion  of  blood  to  the  head ;  heaviness 
and  dullness  of  the  head ;  lacerating  and  shooting  pain 
in  the  head  ;  pain  as  if  the  head  were  surrounded  by  a 
tight  bandage. 

Eyes. — Inflammation  of  the  eyes,  from  abuse  of  Mer- 
cury or  from  syphilis ;  swelling  and  ulceration  of  the 
lids ;  dimness  or  loss  of  sight. 

Ears. — Glandular  swellings  behind  the  ears,  and  ul- 
cerations  in  the  ears  ;  soreness  and  scurf  in  the  nostrils  ; 
yellow  fetid  discharge  from  the  nose,  coryza  and  swell- 
ing of  the  nose,  dry  cough  and  headache. 

Face. — Pain  in  the  bones  of  the  face.  Neuralgic  pain 
in  the  face ;  lips  are  chapped  and  ulcerated ;  pain  and 
swelling  of  the  submaxillary  glands. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Pain  in  the  teeth,  in  the  evening 
or  when  chewing ;  sometimes  with  the  sensation  as  if 
they  were  spongy  or  elongated  ;  bleeding  of  the  gums  ; 
salivation  ;  sore  throat,  ulcers  of  the  mouth  and  throat, 
especially  from  abuse  of  Mercury,  with  stinging  pain, 
and  sensation  on  swallowing,  as  if  the  throat  were  raw 
and  ulcerated. 

Fceces. — Constipation  and  difficult  stool ;  bloody  dys- 
enteric stool  with  tenesmus,  fever,  and  headache.  Itch- 
ing and  burning  of  the  anus. 

Genital  Organs. — Ulcers  on  the  penis.  Leucorrhcea, 
greenish,  fetid  or  flesh-colored. 

Larynx  and  Cheftt. — Barking  cough,  especially  in  the 
evening ;  ulcerative  phthisis,  cough  with  purulent  or 


616  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


bloody  expectoration ;  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  want 
of  breath  after  the  slightest  exercise. 

Aiins  and  Leg*. — Copper-colored  eruption;  swelling 
and  inflammation  of  the  axillary  glands;  pain  in  the 
bones. 

NUX-VOMICA. 

Bilious  affections.  Derangement  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels.  Paralytic  or  spasmodic  affection ;  affections 
from  the  abuse  of  ardent  spirits,  sedentary  habits  and 
various  forms  of  dissipation,  derangement  during  preg- 
nancy, and  complaints  arising  from  chagrin  or  anger. 

Sleep. — Great  drowsiness  after  a  meal  and  in  the  day- 
time ;  light  sleep  with  starting  and  frequent  waking ; 
anxious  and  frightful  dreams. 

Head. — Muttering  delirium ;  illusions  of  fancy  and 
frightful  visions ;  stupefaction  and  loss  of  consciousness, 
confusion  and  dizzy  sensation  as  from  intoxication. 
Apoplexy  with  soporous  condition  and  paralysis  of  the 
limbs.  Headache  from  taking  wine  or  coffee,  when 
coughing  or  stooping,  aggravated  by  mental  exertion. 
Headache  from  constipation  and  sedentary  habits. 
Headache  with  nausea  and  vomiting.  Hemicrania  as  if 
a  nail  were  pressing  in  the  brain.  Congestion  of  blood 
to  the  head,  with  pain  in  the  forehead  and  dizziness. 

Nose. — Dry  coryza  of  infants ;  stoppage  of  the  nose, 
particularly  of  one  side. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Constant  toothache  in  the  open 
air,  aggravated  by  fatiguing  the  head,  toothache  brought 
on  by  cold  water.  Putrid  and  painful  swelling  and 
bleeding  of  the  gums ;  fetid  smell  from  the  mouth ; 
difficult  speech ;  inflammatory  swelling,  aphthae,  and 
fetid  ulcers  in  the  mouth  and  fauces ;  swelling  of  the 
uvula  ;  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth. 

Stomach. — Frequent  hiccough  and  belching  of  wind, 
sour  or  bitter  eructations ;  nausea  or  vomiting  early  in 
the  morning  or  after  a  meal.  Vomiting  during  preg- 


virx-voMicA.  617 


nancy.  Pressure  in  the  stomach  as  from  a  stone,  the 
exterior  painful  to  the  touch  ;  fullness  in  the  stomach, 
especially  after  a  meal.  Cramplike  pains  in  the  stomach. 
Swelling  and  throbbing  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver. 

Abdomen. — Colic  during  pregnancy.  Colic  during 
cold,  as  if  diarrhoea  would  set  in,  from  suppression  of 
the  haemorrhoidal  flux.  Periodical  colic.  Hysteric 
spasm.  Contractive  colic  with  griping  and  clutching 
sensation.  Flatulent  colic. 

Fceces. — Constipation  sometimes  with  pain  in  the  head, 
frequent  urging  to  stool,  with  tenesmus  and  cutting  pain 
in  the  bowels ;  small  mucous  stools  with  urging  and  te- 
nesmus. Dysenteric  or  diarrhceic  stools  of  a  bloody, 
mucous  or  watery  character,  accompanied  with  pain  in 
the  bowels.  Haemorrhoids  with  burning  and  pricking 
in  the  rectum. 

Urine. — Ineffectual  desire  to  urinate  with  a  partial 
or  entire  paralysis  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder. 

Genital  Organs. — Menses  are  accompanied  with  ab- 
dominal spasms  and  labor-like  pain  ;  congestion  of  blood 
to  the  uterus. 

Larynx. — Constrictive  spasms  of  the  larynx.  Cough 
on  moving  or  after  a  meal,  most  violent  in  the  morning, 
dry,  fatiguing  or  spasmodic  cough,  with  pain  in  the  head, 
and  sore  pain  in  the  throat  as  from  excoriation. 

Chest. — Asthma.  Anxious  oppression  of  the  chest, 
and  sufFocative  fits  after  midnight ;  spasms  of  the  chest ; 
congestion  of  blood  to  the  chest.  Rheumatism  of  the 
muscles  of  the  chest. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Bruised  pain  in  the  back  and 
loins ;  increased  by  motion,  contact  or  pressure ;  numb- 
ness and  paralytic  sensation  in  the  limbs  and  side. 
Rheumatic  and  arthritic  drawing  and  shooting  pains 
and  stiffness. 


018  MATERIA    MEDIC  A. 


OPIUM. 

Generally  useful  only  in  recent  cases ;  insensibility  of 
the  nervous  system  and  want  of  reaction  against  medi- 
cines; derangements  of  drunkards;  ailments  of  old 
people ;  bad  effects  from  fright,  fear,  or  sudden  joy ;  con- 
vulsions and  spasmodic  motions ;  apoplexy  ;  congestion 
to  the  head ;  great  torpor  of  the  intestinal  canal,  and  in- 
action of  the  whole  system ;  delirium  tremens. 

Sleep. — Snoring  sleep  ;  lethargy ;  great  drowsiness, 
sometimes  with  inability  to  sleep. 

Fever. — Pulse  generally  slow,  although  sometimes 
quick  and  violent,  with  headache  and  flushed  face ; 
heavy  sleep  with  snoring. 

Mental  Symptoms. — Great  anguish  ;  stupefaction  and 
sometimes  complete  loss  of  consciousness ;  visions ; 
frightful  fancies ;  furious  delirium  ;  delirium  tremens. 

Head. — Painful  headache,  increased  by  moving  the 
eyes  ;  heaviness  and  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head. 

Faces. — Constipation  from  torpor  of  the  intestinal 
canal,  especially  after  chronic  diarrhoea,  abuse  of  cathar- 
tics, and  also  from  want  of  exercise.  Involuntary  stools. 

Chest. — Snoring  breathing ;  oppressed  and  difficult 
respiration, 

PETROLEUM. 

Stone-oil,  Naphtha. 

Scrofulous  affections ;  gastric  difficulties ;  sea-sick- 
ness ;  affections  of  the  skin,  &c. 

Skin. — Painful  sensitiveness  of  the  skin  ;  unhealthy 
skin,  slight  wounds,  readily  suppurating  ;  chapped  lips  ; 
chapped  hands  and  excoriations. 

1 1,  n,d. — Heaviness,  throbbing,  or  ulcerative  pain  in 
the  head ;  scurf  and  pimples  on  the  scalp,  with  itching. 

Gastric  S'/mptoms. — Sea-sickness,  also  nausea,  pro- 
duced by  riding*  in  a  carriage  ;  waterbrash. 


PHOSPHORUS.  619 


Chest. — Hoarseness  ;  dry  cough  with  stinging  under 
the  sternum ;  stitches  in  the  chest. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

Tuberculous  affections;  catarrhal  difficulties;  weak- 
ness from  loss  of  animal  fluids ;  want  of  vital  reaction ; 
chronic  diarrhoea ;  affections  of  the  throat  and  chest. 

Skin. — Small  boils  ;  round  herpetic  spots  over,  the 
body ;  lymphatic  abscesses  with  hectic  fever. 

Sleep. — Restless,  unrefreshing  sleep  with  frightful 
dreams  ;  stupefying  slumber  in  the  morning. 

Ftver. — Hectic  fever  with  dry  heat,  especially  towards 
evening ;  night  sweats  ;  fever,  commencing  or  attended 
with  chilliness. 

Head. — Various  kinds  of  dizziness ;  sometimes  accom- 
panied with  nausea,  or  violent  headache;  chronic  dizzi- 
ness. Dull,  stupefying  headache  ;  sometimes  accompa- 
nied with  numbness.  Bruised  pain  in  the  brain.  Con- 
gestion of  blood  to  the  head. 

Eyes. — Inflammation  and  redness  of  the  eyes ;  swell- 
ing of  the  eyelids  with  agglutination  in  the  morning. 
Scrofulous  or  arthritic  ophthalmia ;  blackness  or  black 
spots  before  the  eyes.  Amaurosis. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Toothache  with  swelling  of  the 
face,  also  from  the  least  cold ;  sore  pain  in  the  teeth  911 
pressing  them  together.  Inflammation  and  ulcers  on 
the  gums. 

Stomach. — Violent  eructations,  or  vomiting  of  bitter 
or  sour  substances ;  sour  regurgitation  of  food ;  cramps 
and  griping  pain,  and  contraction  in  the  region  of  the 
stomach ;  the  stomach  painful  to  the  touch ;  burning 
and  inflammation  in  the  stomach. 

Aldomen. — Spasmodic  or  cutting  colic ;  sore  pain  in 
the  whole  abdomen ;  flatulent  colic. 

~Fceces. — Paralysis   of   the   intestinal    canal;    chronic 
diarrhoea ;  typhoid  diarrhoea. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Violent   catarrh  ;    with    hoarse- 


620  MATERIA    MKDICA. 


ness ;  hoarseness,  sometimes  with  loss  of  voice  ;  cough 
with  rawness,  hoarseness,  sore  and  excoriating  pain  in 
the  chest ;  cough  with  purulent  or  bloody  expectoration. 
Difficulty  of  breathing ;  tension  and  tightness  of  the 
chest;  rush  of  blood  to  the  chest;  palpitation  of  the 
heart.  Phosphorus  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in  chest 
difficulties,  especially  where  there  is  soreness  in  the 
chest,  long-continued  cough  and  danger  of  tubercular 
development. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Stiffness  in  the  nape  of  the 
neck,  and  paralytic  weakness  in  the  small  of  the  back 
and  extremities  with  tremor ;  drawing  pain  and  arthri- 
tic stiffness  of  the  joints;  swelling  of  the  feet. 

PHOSPHORIC-ACID. 

Debility  from  loss  of  animal  fluids  ;  bad  effects  of 
onanism ;  difficulties  arising  from  rapid  growth,  grief, 
chagrin  or  care  ;  great  prostration,  and  nervous  weak- 
ness ;  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Skin. — Itching  and  ulcerative  pimples  over  the  body. 

fever. — Attended  with  great  prostration,  profuse 
sweat,  &c. 

Genital  Organs. — Frequent  nocturnal  emissions ;  vo- 
luptuous dreams ;  yellowish  leucorrhcea  with  itching. 
Painful  constriction  of  the  bladder,  and  sometimes  a 
free  discharge  of  a  milky  or  fetid  urine,  depositing  a 
white  sediment. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Violent  hoarseness;  constant 
cough,  sometimes  with  pain  in  the  abdomen,  headache, 
or  vomiting ;  breathing  heavy  and  oppressed ;  short- 
ness of  breath  ;  palpitation  of  the  heart. 

PLATINA. 

Neuralgia  ;  affections  of  females,  particularly  in  ner- 
vous and  hysteric  individuals;  spasmodic  affections; 
derangement  of  the  menstrual  functions;  affections 
caused  by  anger  or  chagrin.  The  symptoms  are  gene- 
rally relieved  by  motion. 


PULSATILLA.  621 


Head. — Derangement  after  fright  or  chagrin  ;  cramp- 
like  pressing  in  the  temples ;  roaring  in  the  head. 

Tedh. — Creeping  and  numbness  in  the  face  ;  lock-jaw; 
throbbing  digging  in  the  teeth. 

Fceces. — Obstinate  constipation,  especially  when  tra- 
velling, or  produced  by  lead  poisoning. 

Genital  Organs. — Painful  pressing  towards  the  genital 
organs ;  profuse  menstruation,  attended  with  cutting  or 
cramp-like  pain,  headache,  and  anguish ;  metrorrhagia 
of  thick  deep-colored  blood  ;  leucorrhcea  like  the  white 
of  an  egg. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Aching  pain  in  the  small  of 
the  back;  weakness  and  numbness  in  the  extremities. 

PULSATILLA. 
Pasque-flower. 

Especially  adapted  to  female  derangements,  or  to  per- 
sons of  gentle  disposition,  who  easily  laugh  or  weep, 
with  disposition  to  catarrh  or  leucorrhcea,  and  of  lym- 
phatic constitutions,  chronic  difficulties  arising  from 
abuse  of  sulphur-water,  quinine,  chamomile,  mercury ; 
also  in  derangements  of  the  stomach,  produced  by  the 
use  of  greasy  food,  such  as  fat  pork,  fat  pastry,  &c.  Bad 
effects  from  fright  or  shame.  Rheumatic  or  arthritic 
affections  ;  nervous  difficulties,  &c. 

Skin. — Measles  and  their  secondary  ailments  ;  itching 
eruptions  and  ulcers ;  chilblains  with  swelling  and  heat. 

Sleep. — Restless  sleep,  full  of  anxious  and  frightful 
dreams. 

Fever—  Intermittent  fever,  thirst  only  during  the  hot 
stage.  Acute  fevers. 

Head. — Dizziness  as  if  intoxicated,  especially  in  the 
evening,  after  dinner,  or  when  sitting.  Heaviness  of  the 
head  on  stooping.  Headache  on  moving  the  eyes  ;  he- 
micrania,  sometimes  with  vomiting ;  aching  pain  on 
stooping ;  lacerating  or  beating  headache ;  headache  as 
from  overloading  the  stomach  or  from  intoxication. 


622  MATERIA    MKDICA. 


Eyes. — Pressure  in  the  eyes  as  from  sand  with  inflam- 
mation and  corrosive  tears;  swelling  of  the  lids;  stye; 
dimness  of  sight. 

Ears. — Inflammation  of  the  ear;  starting  and  stinging 
pain  in  the  ear ;  swelling  in  and  below  the  ear.  Noise 
in  the  ear  as  of  water  or  a  cracking  sound. 

Mouth. — Rheumatic  toothache ;  toothache  during  preg- 
nancy, from  a  cold,  accompanied  with  pain  in  the  ear ; 
drawing,  gnawing  toothache,  coming  on  when  eating  or 
taking  any  thing  warm  into  the  mouth. 

Stomach. — Nausea  with  disposition  to  vomit ;  vomit- 
ing ;  sour  or  bitter  eructations  ;  water-brash ;  vomiting 
after  a  meal ;  pain  in  the  stomach  during  an  inspiration 
and  on  pressure;  lacerating  and  cutting  pain;  nausea 
after  eating  fat  food. 

Aldomen. — Abdominal  spasms,  particularly  in  preg- 
nant females ;  colic  aggravated  by  motion ;  flatulent 
colic  and  painful  sensitiveness  of  the  bowels. 

Fasces. — Constipation  ;  watery  diarrhoea,  or  consisting 
of  a  mucous,  green,  or  slimy  substance,  generally  preced- 
ed by  rumbling  and  cutting  pain  ;  dysenteric  diarrhoea, 
and  diarrhoea  after  measles ;  blind  and  bleeding  has- 
morrhoids. 

Genital  Organs. — Incontinence  of  urine  ;  drawing  or 
tensive  pain  from  the  abdomen  through  the  spermatic 
cord  into  the  testicles.  Uterine  spasms,  resembling  labor- 
pains  ;  derangement  and  irregularity  of  the  menses,  at- 
tended with  severe  pain,  .colic,  nausea,  vomiting  and 
headache.  Metrorrhagia ;  discharge  of  thick,  dark  clotty 
menstrual  blood,  or  else  pale  and  watery  ;  thin,  acrid,  or 
thick  milky  leucorrhoea. 

Ldrynx. — Catarrhal  huskiness  of  the  chest ;  dry  night- 
cough,  relieved  on  sitting  up,  but  aggravated  on  lying 
down  ;  cough  with  bitter,  yellow  or  bloody  expectoration, 
attended  with  pain  in  the  chest^  and  sometimes  vomiting. 

Chest. — Difficulty  of  breathing,  especially  at  night  in 


RHEUM. RHUS-TOXiCODENDRON.  623 

bed,  and  in  cold  air;  congestion  of  blood  to  the  chest; 
constructive  sensation  and  sticking  pain  in  the  chest, 
especially  at  night. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Swelling  and  rheumatic  pains 
in  the  nape  of  the  neck,  also  in  the  back  and  extremi- 
ties ;  drawing  and  jerking  pain,  or  trembling  in  the 
limbs ;  swelling  of  the  knee  with  pain. 

RHEUM. 
R  h  u  £  a  r  1). 

Particularly  in  diarrhoeas  in  children  ;  the  stools  are 
sour-smelling,  and  are  generally  preceded  and  accom- 
panied by  cutting  pain;  frequent  urging  to  stool,  in- 
creased on  moving  about. 

RHUS  TOXICODENDRON. 
Poison  Oak. 

This  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in  rheumatic  and  arthritic 
affections,  vesicular  erysipelas,  excitability  and  derange- 
ment of  the  nervous  system ;  bruised  sensation  or  bad 
consequences  from  a  sprain  or  bruise;  semilateral 
complaints  and  partial  or  entire  paralysis,  or  stiffness  of 
portions  of  the  body.  The  pain  is  worse  at  night  in  bed 
and  also  iii  cold  or  damp  weather. 

Skin.— Itching  of  the  body;  erysipelatous  inflam- 
mation with  small  vesicles,  sometimes  burning;  burn- 
ing itching  eruption;  glandular  swelling;  red  shining 
swellings. 

Sleep. — Sleeplessness,  or  great  restlessness  at  night, 
with  tossing  about,  and  sometimes  delirium ;  frightful 
dreams. 

Fever. — Low  fevers  with  delirium;  bruised  or  aching 
pain  throughout  the  body,  sometimes  with  rash,  dizziness 
of  the  head  and  inclination  to  vomit. 

Head.—  Dizziness  or  aching  pain  in  the  head  on  rising 
or  after  a  meal ;  heaviness  of  the  head ;  reeling  or  waver- 


624  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


ing  sensation  in  the  brain  at  every  step ;  itching  eruption 
on  the  scalp,  soon  forming  a  scab. 

Eyes. — Sore  pain  in  the  eyes ;  swelling  of  the  lids ; 
rheumatic  ophthalmia. 

Ears. — Swelling  and  inflammation  of  the  parotid, 
especially  after  fever. 

Fac<\ — Erysipelatotis  inflammation  of  the  face,  attend- 
ed with  aching,  stinging  or  burning  pain;  vesicular 
erysipelas ;  chronic  eruptions,  sometimes  suppurating  and 
forming  scabs ;  swelling  of  the  face. 

Lai*yn£  and  Client. — Short,  anxious  and  painful  cough, 
excited  by  tickling,  and  sometimes  expectoration  of 
bright  red  blood ;  oppression  of  the  chest  and  sticking 
pain  when  sneezing  or  drawing  a  long  breath. 

Back. — Aching  or  bruised  sensation  in  the  small  of 
the  back,  stiff  and  painful  during  motion  ;  creeping  cold- 
ness in  the  back ;  rheumatic  stiffness  in  the  neck  and 
shoulders,  sometimes  with  a  sprained  sensation. 

Extreniities. — Erysipelatous  swelling;  bruised,  aching, 
boring,  lacerating  pain;  stiffness  and  partial  paralysis 
of  the  limbs ;  warts. 

S  A  B  I  N  A. 

Rheumatic  or  neuralgic  pains,  especially  in  females ; 
partial  suppression  of  urine  with  difficulty  in  passing 
water.  Profuse  menstruation;  haemorrhage  from  the 
uterus  at  the  time  of  the  menses,  also  after  parturition 
or  miscarriage. 

SAMBUCUS. 

Eider. 

Yiolent  dyspnrea ;  suffocative  paroxysms  of  asthma ; 
cough,  especially  at  night,  with  rattling  of  mucus ;  suffo- 
cative paroxysms  of  cough ;  dry  heat  over  the  body,  with 
dread  of  uncovering. 


SEPIA.  625 

SANGUINARIA. 

Blood  Root. 

Rheumatic  pains ;  swelling  of  the  extremities.  Pain 
in  the  head  in  spots,  sometimes  with  nausea  and  vomit- 
ing. Chronic  diyness  in  the  throat  and  sometimes  loss 
of  voice;  violent  tormenting  cough  with  pain  in  the 
chest.  Asthma.  Pneumonia ;  burning,  pressing  or  stick- 
ing pain  in  the  chest  with  cough. 

S  E  C  A  L  E. 

Ergot. 

Long-continued  stupor ;  lethargic  sleep ;  restless  night 
sleep  with  dreams.  Constant  retching  and  vomiting  and 
pressure  in  the  stomach.  Diarrhoea,  sometimes  invol- 
untary, with  great  prostration ;  diarrhoea  after  cholera. 
Cholera-like  paroxysms ;  the  eye-balls  are  sunken  and 
surrounded  by  a  blue  margin ;  there  is  nausea  and  vomit- 
ing, with  profuse  evacuations  from  the  bowels,  cramps  in 
the  calves,  hollow  voice,  great  prostration  and  almost 
imperceptible  pulse.  Congestion  of  blood  to  the  uterus ; 
metrorrhagia. 

This  remedy  is  most  useful  in  a  certain  stage  of  cholera, 
the  diarrho3a  of  the  old,  and  metrorrhagia  of  delicate 
women. 

SEPIA. 

Cuttle    Fish. 

Particularly  useful  in  female  affections.  The  pains 
are  relieved  by  the  application  of  warmth,  and  usually 
disappear  during  violent  exercise. 

Skin. — Glandular  and  lymphatic  swellings;  dry  and 
itchlike  eruption ;  itching  of  the  whole  body,  ringworm ; 
scurfy  and  humid  eruption. 

Head. — Intense  headache  in  the  morning,  sometimes 
with  nausea ;  rush  of  blood  to  the  head,  beating  head- 
27 


626  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


ache  in  the  evening  and  at  every  motion ;  headache  as 
if  the  eyes  would  fall  out  or  the  head  burst  Itching 
and  eruption  on  the  scalp. 

Eyta,  Ears  and  Nose. — Inflammation  of  the  eyes  and 
lids  with  pain  in  the  head.  Eruption  and  discharge  of 
pus  from  the  ear;  roaring  and  whizzing  in  the  ear.  Ul- 
cerated, scabby  and  swollen  nostril ;  obstruction  of  the 
nose  ;  bleeding  at  the  nose.  Eruption  and  yellow  spots 
on  the  face. 

Teeth. — Toothache  of  pregnant  females ;  painful  swell- 
ing of  the  gums. 

Stomach. — Nausea  and  vomiting  during  pregnancy; 
cramp  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  and  pressivo  pain 
after  a  meal.  Aching  in  the  region  of  the  liver. 

Abdomen. — Weight  and  distension  of  the  abdomen 
and  frequent  attacks  of  colic,  especially  in  the  morning 
and  after  exercise  ;  sometimes  with  nausea. 

Fiects. — Constipation.  Exhausting  diarrhoea  ;  haemor- 
rhoids ;  pain  in  the  rectum. 

Urine. — Turbid  and  fetid  urine,  with  white  or  brick- 
dust  sediment 

Genital  Organs.—  Itching  and  soreness  of  the  parts ; 
prolapsus  uteri  and  bearing-down  pain.  Acrid  leucor- 
rhoea,  with  itching  and  excoriation.  Affections  during 
pregnancy ;  toothache,  nausea,  vomiting,  &c. 

Larynx. — Hoarseness  and  dry  cough,  sometimes  with 
saltish,  purulent  or  bloody  expectoration. 

Chest. — Difficulty  of  breathing  and  pressure  in  the 
chest;  seething  of  blood  and  congestion  to  the  chest; 
rawness  in  the  chest,  pain  from  motion,  or  on  breathing 
or  coughing  ;  palpitation  of  the  heart, 

Ba<k. — Pain  or  weariness  in  the  small  of  the  back ; 
stiffness  of  the  neck  ;  eruption  on  neck  and  back. 

/ V////V i, *•.—  Paralytic  sensation  in  the  arms;  bruised 
pain  in  the  limbs.  Itching  and  scurfy  eruptions,  some- 
times ulcerating. 


SILICEA.  627 

S  I  L  I  C  E  A. 

Chronic  affections  from  abuse  of  Mercury ;  rachitis ; 
scrofulous  affections  of  the  bones,  eruptive  diseases,  &c. 

Skin. — Itching  sensation  over  the  whole  body.  Carbun- 
cles, boils;  swelling  and  suppuration  of  the  glands;  dry 
eruption  or  having  an  ulcerative  tendency. 

Eyes. — Inflammation  of  the  eyes  and  redness  and  ul- 
ceration  of  the  lids ;  ulcers  on  the  cornea ;  paroxysms  of 
-  blindness ;  specks  or  dark  spots  before  the  eyes,  cataract 
and  amaurosis. 

Ears. — Beating  in  the  ears ;  scurf  behind  the  ears ; 
swelling  of  the  parotid  gland,  with  pain. 

Nosf. — Ulcers  or  scabs  in  the  nose;  frequent  sneezing; 
chronic  obstruction,  coryza  and  catarrh. 

Face. — Chapped  skin ;  ulcers  and  eruptions  on  the  lip ; 
cancer. 

Mouth  and  Throat. — Caries  and  swelling  of  the  jaw; 
sore  gums  and  ulceration  at  the  root  of  the  teeth ;  tooth- 
ache, especially  when  eating  warm  food,  or  when  cold 
air  gets  into  the  mouth.  Sore  throat  with  stinging  pain, 
when  swallowing. 

Stomach. — Nausea  and  vomiting,  after  heating  exercise, 
taking  a  drink,  and  from  various  other  causes ;  sour 
eructations ;  acidity  of  the  stomach.  Painfulness  of  the 
pit  of  the  stomach  to  pressure  and  sensation  of  a  load 
there. 

Abdomen. — Colic  with  constipation ;  inflammation  of 
the  inguinal  glands ;  constipation. 

Genital  Organs. — Milky  leucorrhcea ;  inflammation  and 
suppuration  of •  the  nipples. 

Larynx  and  Chtst. —  Suffocative  night-cough  ;  dry  fa- 
tiguing cough ;  continued  cough  with  bloody  or  purulent 
expectoration  ;  shortness  of  breath. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Curvature  of  the  spine  ;  stiff 
back;  glandular  swellings  and  suppuration;  ulcers; 
softening  and  caries  of  the  bones. 


628  MATi  RIA    MEDIC  A. 


S  P  I  G  E  L  I  A. 
Pink  Root. 

Neuralgic  affection  ;  diseases  of  the  heart ;  affections 
caused  by  worms. 

Head. — Periodical  headache;  pain  in  the  head  when 
shaking  it ;  sensation  as  if  the  brain  were  loose,  when 
walking ;  pain  worse  in  the  open  air. 

_£yt?.»,  Ears  and  Nose. — Aching  and  pressive  pain  in 
the  eyes,  as  if  the  eye-balls  were  too  large ;  inflammation 
and  redness  of  the  eyes.  Arthritic  and  rheumatic 
ophthalmia;  great  sensitiveness  to  light.  Pain  and 
stoppage  of  the  ears ;  periodical  deafness ;  itching  and 
stoppage  of  the  nose  ;  eruption  around  the  nose. 

Foot . — Pale,  disfigured  face  ;  typical  nervous  proso- 
palgia. Prosopalgia  on  one  side  of  the  face,  with  anguish 
about  the  heart ;  violent  pains  in  the  face,  not  allowing 
the  least  contact  or  motion  with  shining  swelling. 

Teeth. — Toothache  with  prosopalgia;  darting  pain 
through  all  the  teeth,  aggravated  by  cold  water  or  air. 

Stomach. — Great  sensitiveness  of  the  pit  of  the  stomach ; 
loss  of  appetite  or  canine  hunger. 

Stool. — Pinching  stitching  in  the  bowels;  discharge  of 
worms ;  crawling  and  itching  in  the  anus. 

Chest. — Shortness  of  breath,  particularly  in  talking  or 
from  exercise.  Sudden  suffocative  attacks  with  palpita- 
tion of  the  heart.  Constriction  of  the  chest  with  anguish ; 
strong  and  violent  beating  of  the  heart,  so  that  it  is 
perceptible  to  sight  and  hearing,  attended  with  anguish 
and  oppression  of  the  chest,  and  increased  on  sitting 
down  or  bending  forward. 

S  P  O  N  G  I  A. 

Sponge. 

L<irynx, — Hoarseness,  cough  and  coryza ;  hollow  cough 
with  expectoration ;  difficult  respiration,  as  if  the  throat 
were  closed  witli  a  plug,  with  pain  in  the  throat  and 


SULPHUR.  629 

chest  on  coughing ;  barking,  dry  or  whistling  cough, 
worse  towards  evening. 

Chest. — Asthma;  breathing  hurried  and  panting,  or 
slow  and  deep ;  stitching  pain  in  the  muscles  of  the 
chest  and'back. 

STRAMONIUM. 

Thorn-apple. 

Spasms,  convulsions,  twitching  of  the  muscles  and 
great  derangement  of  the  nervous  system.  The  convul- 
sions and  delirium  are  particularly  excited  by  contact. 

Sleep. — Deep  sleep  with  snoring  breathing ;  restless 
sleep,  interrupted  by  screams  and  moaning. 

Moral  Symptoms. — Melancholy,  or  convulsions  of  rage 
and  ungovernable  fury.  Talkative  delirium  or  frightful 
fancies. 

Head. — Stupidity,  stupefaction  or  dullness  of  the 
head ;  headache  with  obscuration  of  sight  and  hardness 
of  hearing ;  convulsions  of  the  head  and  arms. 

Eyes. — Dilation  of  the  pupil ;  sparkling,  glistening  or 
staring  eyes ;  illusions  of  sight. 

Mouth. — Constant  muttering;  paralysis  organs  of 
speech ;  spasmodic  hiccough. 

SULPHUR. 

Skin. — Sulphur  is  an  important  remedy  in  the  various 
forms  of  skin  difficulties.  Nettle  rash  with  fever; 
burning  and  itching  eruption  ;  dry  and  scaly  eruptions ; 
scabies;  herpetic  eruptions;  swelling  and  suppuration 
of  glands ;  ulcers,  chilblains,  affections  of  the  bones,  &c. 

Head. — Nightly  headache ;  rush  of  blood  to  the  head. 

Eyes. — Weakness  of  sight;  purulent  discharge  from 
the  eyes ;  inflammation  of  the  eyes  with  burning  or 
bruised  pain ;  inflammation,  swelling  and  ulceration  of 
the  lids. 

Ears. — Drawing  and  lacerating  in  the  ears.  Itching 
and  eruption  of  the  ears.  Whizzing,  humming  and 
roaring  in  the  head. 


630  MATKR1A    MEDICA. 


Nose. — Inflammation  and  swelling  of  the  nose ;  ulcers 
in  the  nose ;  violent  coryza ;  obstruction  of  the  nose. 

Face. — Swelling  and  redness  of  the  face ;  chapped 
lips  ;  glandular  swelling.  Eruptions  on  the  face. 

Teeth. — Toothache  from  cold  air,  also  aggravated 
by  warmth;  sensation  of  looseness  and  elongation  of 
the  teeth ;  swelling  of  the  gums  with  throbbing  pain. 
Aphthae  in  the  mouth ;  mercurial  affections  of  the 
mouth. 

Stomach. — Sour  eructations  and  vomiting;  pressure 
in  the  stomach ;  cramp-like  pain  in  the  stomach. 

Abdomen. — Painful  sensitiveness  of  the  abdomen,  as 
if  the  parts  were  raw ;  colic  after  eating  or  drinking ; 
spasmodic  contractive  colic,  relieved  by  sitting  bent. 

FcBces. — Constipation,  sometimes  with  piles;  hard, 
knotty,  insufficient  stools. 

Genital  Organs. — Itching  and  excoriation  of  the  parts ; 
burning  and  painful  leucorrhcea ;  violent  and  long-con- 
tinued leucorrhoaa. 

Larynx. — Rough  throat  and  loss  of  voice  ;  chronic 
hooping  cough ;  headache  or  vomiting  when  coughing  ; 
loose  or  dry  cough  with  soreness  in  the  chest.  Chronic 
cough. 

Chest. — Rattling  in  the  chest ;  nightly  suffocative  fit ; 
stitches  or  contractive  pain  in  the  chest ;  palpitation  of 
the  heart ;  rush  of  blood  to  the  chest. 

Back  and  Extremities. — Curvature  of  the  spine  ;  pain 
in  the  small  of  the  back  when  rising.  Drawing  and 
lacerating  pain  in  the  limbs ;  heaviness  and  weakness 
of  the  limbs ;  trembling  of  the  hands ;  rheumatic  pain 
in  the  limbs. 

STIBIUM. 

Tartar-Emetic. 

This  is  an  important  remedy  in  the  first  stage  of  in- 
fluenza ;  dry  cough,  and  affections  of  the  chest,  also  in 


ViiU    TilL'.M    ALBL'.M.  631 


bilious  affections;  small-pox.  Asphyxia  of  new-Lorn 
infants. 

Skin. — Itching  suppurative  rash.  Pustular  eruptions 
on  the  whole  body.  Malignant  pustules.  The  pustular 
stage  of  varioloid  and  small-pox  ;  gangrenous  ulcers. 

Fever. — Chilliness  with  flushes  of  heat ;  great  restless- 
ness, heat,  thirst  and  headache,  especially  over  the  eyes. 
Profuse  sweat. 

Head. — Dizziness.  Violent  headache ;  fullness,  dull- 
ness and  stupefaction  of  the  head ;  stupefying  headache 
with  pressure  over  the  eyes. 

Stomach. — Nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea;  nausea 
and  disposition  to  vomit.  Putrid  eructations ;  in- 
effectual retching  and  violent  spasmodic  vomiting; 
violent  oppression  of  the  stomach. 

Abdorfien. — Lacerating,  violent  cutting  and  pinching 
in  the  abdomen. 

Larynx.*-  Rattling  of  mucus  ;  cough  and  sneezing ; 
dry,  hard,  whistling  and  barking  cough;  suffocative 
spasmodic  cough. 

Chest. — Difficulty  of  breathing,  especially  at  night. 
Palpitation  of  the  heart  and  oppression  of  the  chest. 

THUJA. 

Tree  of  Life. 

Rheumatic  and  arthritic  affections ;  syphilitic  and 
sycotic  affections ;  warty  excrescences.  Ulcers  in  the 
throat.  Aching  pain  in  the  bones  and  in  the  head. 
Rheumatic  pains.  Ulcers  produced  by  syphilis. 

VERATRUM-ALBUM. 

White- Hellebore. 

Cholera ;  cramps  in  the  limbs  and  bowels ;  great 
weakness  and  convulsions  ;  paralytic  pain  in  the  limbs. 


632  MATERIA    MEDICA. 


Skin. — Cutaneous  eruptions  resembling  itch,  dry  with 
nightly  itching. 

Fever. — Coldness  of  the  whole  hody ;  cold  sweat ; 
collapsed  or  almost  imperceptible  pulse. 

Head. — Headache  with  nausea,  vomiting  and  paleness 
of  the  face ;  intermittent,  beating  headache ;  headache 
when  stooping  or  walking. 

Face. — Cold,  disfigured  face,  with  pointed  nose  and 
sunken  checks  ;  pale  or  red  face  ;  black  and  parched  lips. 

Teeth. — Toothache  and  headache ;  toothache  with 
nausea,  vomiting  and  coldness  of  the  limbs. 

Gasiric  Symptoms. — Nausea  and  vomiting  with  great 
thirst ;  violent  excessive  vomiting,  renewed  by  the  least 
motion,  or  by  swallowing  the  least  liquid  ;  black  vomit. 
Asiatic  cholera. 

Abdomen  and  Stomach. — Burning  sensation  in  the 
stomach  ;  anguish,  violent  pressure  and  cramp-like  pain 
in  the  stomach.  Painful  sensitiveness  of  the  abdomen 
to  pressure ;  cramps  and  violent  cutting  pain  in  the 
bowels,  as  if  cut  with  knives. 

Faces. — Chronic  constipation.  Greenish,  watery,  floc- 
culent  diarrhoea;  brownish  or  blackish  diarrhoea,  noc- 
turnal diarrhoea ;  great  weakness  after  stool. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Violent  suffocating  or  dry  and 
hacking  cough,  with  vomiting  cough  resembling  hoop- 
ing cough,  with  vomiting ;  hoarse,  dry  cough  at  night. 
Palpitation  of  the  heart ;  difficult  breathing. 

Extremities. — Paralytic  and  bruised  pain  in  the  ex- 
tremities ;  coldness  of  the  arms  and  legs,  and  violent 
cramps  in  the  calves. 

EUPATORIUM. 

Sane-Set. 

This  is  an  important  remedy  in  those  forms  of  inter- 
mittent fever,  when  there  is  but  little  or  no  sweat,  during 
any  period  of  the  disease. 


APIS    MEL.  633 

Fever. — Pain  in  the  bones  and  head,  with  soreness  of 
the  flesh;  weakness  and  prostration;  chilliness  with 
trembling  and  nausea  ;  absence  of  sweat. 

Head. — Throbbing  headache,  sometimes  with  sick 
stomach  in  the  morning  on  waking ;  soreness  on  the  top 
and  back  part  of  the  head. 

Stomach  and  Abdomen. — Want  of  appetite  ;  bilious 
vomiting  with  trembling  and  prostration. 

Larynx  and  Chest. — Nocturnal  loose  cough,  or  cough 
with  flushed  face  and  tearful  eyes  ;  cough  following  and 
preceding  measles,  and  also  from  suppressed  intermittent 
fever. 

APIS-MEL. 
Poison  of  the  Honey  See. 

This  remedy  has  been  found  highly  efficacious  in  drop- 
sical affections,  nettle  rash  and  erysipelas.  When  the 
skin  is  affected,  there  is  a  burning  heat  of  the  skin  and 
stinging  sensation  like  the  sting  of  bees. 

It  is  also  useful  in  derangements  of  the  urinary  organs, 
when  the  urine  is  scanty  and  its  emission  attended  with 
scalding  burning  sensation. 

It  has  been  given  with  decided  benefit  in  abdominal 
dropsy. 


GLOSSARY  OF  MEDICAL  TEEMS. 


ABORTUS.  Miscarriage ;  abortion. 

ABRASION.     Excoriation. 

ABSCESS.  A  collection  of  pus 
seated  in  any  particular  organ 
or  tissue. 

ABSORBENTS.  In  anatomy  this 
term  is  applied  to  small,  deli- 
cate, transparent  vessels  which 
take  up  and  convey  any  sub- 
stances from  the  surface  of  the 
body,  or  from  any  cavity,  into 
the  blood. 

ACETUM.     Vinegar. 

ADHESION.  In  surgery,  the  re- 
union of  parts  that  have  been 
divided,  by  means  of  a  special 
kind  of  inflammation  denomi- 
nated the  adhesive. 

ADHESIVE  INFLAMMATION.  The 
process  by  which  wounds  are 
united.  It  is  often  synonymous 
with  union  by  the  first  intention. 

ADYPSIA.  The  absence  of  na- 
tural thirst. 

AGGLUTINATION.     Adhesion. 

ALKALI.  A  substance  which 
unites  with  acids  in  the  defi- 
nite proportions,  so  as  to  neu- 
tralize their  properties  more 
or  less  perfectly,  and  to  form 
salts.  It  changes  vegetable 
blues  to  green. 

ALKALOIDS.  Substances  having 
some  of  the  properties  of  al- 
kalies. 

ALLOPATHY.  A  term  used  by 
homoeopathic  writers  to  de- 
signate the  old  practice  of  me- 
dicine in  contradistinction  to 
their  own ;  now  generally  em- 
ployed by  both  parties ;  lite- 
rally implies  curing  one  disease 


by  another,  or  a  medicine  which 
produces  a  dissimilar  one. 

AMENORRHCEA.  Absence  or  stop- 
page of  the  menstrual  flux. 

ANASARCA.  Dropsy  of  the  cel- 
lular tissue,  or  membrane,  im- 
mediately under  the  skin. 

ANCHYLOSIS.  Stiffening  of  a  joint, 
either  from  deposit  of  ossific 
or  bone-forming  matter,  or  con- 
traction of  the  muscles  or  liga- 
ments ;  adhesion  of  the  arti- 
culating surfaces. 

ANGINA.  Sore  throat.  The  term 
is  also  applied  to  diseases  with 
difficult  respiration. 

ANGINA.     MEMBRANACEA.    Croup. 

ANGINA  PAROTIDEA.     Mumps. 

ANGINA  PHARYNGIA.  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  membrane  which 
forms  the  pharynx. 

ANOREXIA.     Want  of  appetite. 

ANTHRAX.     Carbuncle. 

ANUS.  The  inferior  opening  of 
the  rectum. 

APHONIA.     Loss  of  voice. 

APOPLEXIA.  Apoplexy ;  a  loss  of 
voluntary  motion  and  conscious- 
ness. See  Diagnosis  under 
this  head. 

APYREXIA.  The  intervals  between 
febrile  .paroxysms. 

ARTHRITIS.     Gout. 

ASCARIS,  pi.  ASCARIDES.  Thread- 
worms. 

ASCITES.     General  dropsy. 

ASPHYXIA.     Apparent  death, 

ASTHENIC.  Low  ;  applied  to  dis- 
ease ;  literally  want  of  strength. 

ASTRINGENTS.  Medicaments  used 
in  the  old  practice  to  contract 
the  animal  fibre. 


635 


636 


GLOSSARY. 


ATONY.  A  want  of  tone  or 
energy  in  the  muscular  power. 

ATROPHY.  A  morbid  state  of  the 
digestive  system,  in  which  the 
food  taken  into  the  stomach 
fails  to  afford  sufficient  nourish- 
ment. A  wasting  of  the  whole, 
or  of  individual  parts  of  the 
body. 

AUSCULTATION.  The  detection 
of  symptoms  by  the  ear  in  dis- 
ease. 


BILIARY.      Connected   with    the 

secretion  of  bile. 
BLEPHARITIS.      Inflammation    of 

the  eyelids. 
BORBORYGMUS.      Rumbling  in  the 

intestines,  caused  by  flatus  or 

wind. 
BRONCHIA  ;  BRONCHI.     The  tubes 

into  which  the  trachea  or  wind- 
pipe divides. 
BRONCHITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 

ramifications  of  the  windpipe. 
BULIMY  ;    BULIMIA.      Canine,    or 

excessive  hunger. 


CADAVEROUS.  Resembling,  a 
corpse. 

C.SCUM.  The  blind  gut ;  so  call- 
ed from  its  being  perforated  at 
one  end  only. 

CANTHUS.     The  angle  of  the  eye. 

CARCINOMA.  Cancer,  adj.  Car- 
cinomatous. 

CARDIALGIA.  Spasm  of  the  sto- 
mach. 

CARDITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
heart. 

CARIES.  Ulceration  of  the  bones. 

CARPHOLOGIA.  Picking  at  the 
bed-clothes. 

CARTILAGE.     Gristle. 

CATAMENIA.    The  menstrual  flux. 

CATARRH.  Cold;  used  also  to 
express  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  membrane. 


CATARRHAL  OPHTHALMIA.  Sim- 
ple inflammation  of  the  con- 
junctiva. 

CATHARTIC.     Purgative. 

CELLULAR  TISSUE.  The  fine  net- 
like  membrane  enveloping  or 
connecting  most  of  the  struc- 
tures of  the  human  body. 

CEPHALGIA.     Headache. 

CEPHALIC.  Pertaining  to  the 
head. 

CEREBRAL.  Appertaining  to  the 
brain. 

CERVICAL.  Belonging  to  the 
neck. 

CESSATIO  MENSIUM.  Disconti- 
nuance of  the  menstrual  flux. 

CHLOROSIS.     Green  sickness. 

CHRONIC.  Long  continued,  in 
contradistinction  to  acute. 

CICATRIX,  plur.  Cicatrices.  A 
scar,  left  after  the  healing  of  a 
wound,  &c. 

CLAVI  PEDIS.     Corns. 

CLONIC  SPASM.  A  spasm  which 
is  not  of  long  duration.  It  is 
opposed  to  tonic  spasm,  which 
see. 

COAGULA.     Clots  of  blood. 

COAGULABLE  LYMPH.  The  term 
given  to  the  fluid  which  is 
slowly  effused  into  wounds, 
and  afterwards  forms  the  unit- 
ing medium  or  cicatrice. 

COLIC.     Griping  in  the  intestines. 

COLLAPSE.     Failing  of  vitality. 

COLLIQUATIVE.  Excessive  dis- 
charge  of  any  secretion. 

COMA.     Drowsiness. 

COMA  SOMNOLENTIUM.  Drowsi- 
ness, with  relapse  on  being 
roused. 

COMATOSE.     Drowsy. 

COMPRESS.  Soft  lint,  linen.  &c. 
folded  together  so  as  to  form 
a  pad,  for  the  purpose  of  being 
placed,  and  secured  by  means 
of  a  bandage,  on  parts  which 
require  pressure. 


GLOSSARY. 


637 


CONGESTIO  AD  CAPUT.  Determi- 
nation of  blood  to  the  head. 

CONGESTIO  AD  PECTUS.  Determi- 
nation of  blood  to  the  chest. 

CONGESTION.  Overfullness  of  the 
blood-vessels  of  some  par- 
ticular organ. 

CONGLOBATE  GLANDS.  Glands  of 
a  globular  form,  composed  of 
a  texture  of  lymphatic  vessels. 
They  have  no  excretory  duct. 

CONJUNCTIVA.  The  membrane 
lining  the  eyelids,  and  extend- 
ing over  the  forepart  of  the  eye- 
balls. 

CONTAGION.  Propagation  of  a 
disease  by  contact. 

CORNEA.  The  anterior  transpa- 
rent portion  of  the  eye.  It  is 
of  a  horny  consistence. 

CORYZA.     Cold  in  the  head. 

COXAGRA.  Inflammation  of  the 
hip-joint.  Literally,  seizure  or 
pain  in  the. 

COXALGIA.  Literally  pain  in  the 
hip  ;  inflammation  of  the  hip- 
joint. 

CRANIUM.     The  skull. 

CREPITATION.  Crackling  sensa- 
tion, or  noise,  such  as  is  caus- 
ed by  pressing  the  finger  upon 
a  part  affected  with  emphyse- 
ma; by  the  ends  of  fractured 
bones  when  moved ;  or  by  cer- 
tain salts  during  calcination. 

CREPITANT  RHONCHUS,  or  RALE. 
The  fine  crackling  noise  heard 
in  consequence  of  the  passage 
of  air  through  a  viscid  fluid.  It 
is  heard  in  the  first  stage  of  in- 
flammation of  the  lungs. 

CREPITUS.     Crackling  or  grating. 

CUTANEOUS.  Appertaining  to  the 
skin. 

CUTICLE.  The  outer  or  scarf  skin. 

CYSTITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
bladder. 


DEGLUTITION. 
lowing. 


The  act  of  swal- 


DELIRIUM.  Derangement  of  the 
brain,  raving. 

DEPLETION.  Abstraction  of  the 
fluids ;  generally  applied  to 
venesection. 

DESICCATION.    A  drying  up. 

DESQUAMATION.  Falling  off  of 
the  epidermis  in  form  of  scales. 

DIAGNOSIS.  Distinction  of  ma- 
ladies. 

DIARRH<EA.  Looseness  of  the 
bowels. 

DIARRHOEA  NEONATORUM.  The 
same  as  the  above,  in  infants. 

DIATHESIS.  Constitutional  ten- 
dency. 

DIETETIC.  >  Relating  to  diet. 

DIPLOPIA.  'Affection  of  the  eyes, 
in  which  objects  appear  double 
or  increased  in  numiber. 

DIURETIC.  Medicines  which  in- 
crease the  secretion  of  urine. 

DORSAL.  Appertaining  to  the 
back. 

DRASTIC.     Powerful  purgatives. 

DUODENUM.  The  first  intestine 
after  the  stomach,  so  called 
from  its  length ;  the  twelve- 
inch  gut. 

DYSCRASIA.  A  morbid  condition 
of  the  system  ;  adj.  Dyscrastic. 

DYSECOIA.     Deafness. 

DYSMENORRHCEA.  Painful  men- 
struation. 

DYSPEPSIA.  Indigestion ;  literal- 
ly difficulty  of  appetite. 

DYSPNOEA.  Difficulty  of  respi- 
ration. Shortness  of  breath. 

DYSURIA.  Difficulty  in  passing 
urine. 


EFFUSION.  A  pouring  out  or  es- 
cape of  lymph  or  other  secre- 
tion. 

EMACIATION.  A  falling  off  in 
the  flesh. 

EMETIC.     Provoking  vomiting. 

ENCEPHALITIS.  Inflammation  of 
the  brain  and  membranes. 


638 


GLOSSARY. 


ENDEMIC.  Peculiar  to  a  parti- 
cular locality. 

ENEMA.     A  clyster. 

ENGORGEMENT.     Swelling  up  of. 

ENTERALGIA.     Colic. 

ENTERITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
intestines. 

EPHEMERAL.  Of  a  day's  duration. 

EPIDEMIC.  Diseases  arising  from 
general  causes. 

EPIGASTRIUM.  The  region  of  the 
stomach. 

EPILEPSY.     EPILEPSIA.      Falling  i 
sickness. 

EPISTAXIS.      Bleeding  from  the  [ 
nose. 

EPITHELIUM.     The  cuticle- 

ERYSIPELAS.  St.  Anthony's  fire. 
Rose.  A  disease  of  the  skin. 

ERYSIPELAS  PHLEGMONODES. 

Phlegmonous  erysipelas. 

ERYSIPELAS  CEoEMATODES.  CEde- 
matous  erysipelas. 

ERYSIPELAS  ERRATICUM.  Wan- 
dering erysipelas. 

ERYSIPELAS  GANGRENOSUM.  Gan- 
grenous erysipelas. 

ERYSIPELAS  NEONATORUM.  In- 
duration  of  the  cellular  tissue 
in  infants. 

EXACERBATION.     Aggravation   of| 
fever,  &c. 

EXANTHEMA,  plur.  Exanthemata. 
Eruption  terminating  in  exfo- 
liation. 

EXPECTORATION.  Discharge  of 
any  matter  ;  phlegm  ;  pus  from 
the  chest. 

EXUDATION-  Discharge  of  fluid 
from  the  skin,  &c. 

FAECES.     Alvine  excrement. 

FASCIA.  In  anatomy,  the  ten- 
dinous expansion  of  muscles 
which  bind  parts  together  are 
called  fascitp. 

FAUCES.     The  throat. 

FEBRIS,  plur.  FEBRES.     Fever. 

FEBRIS  NERVOSA.  Nervous  fever, 
or  typhus. 


FEMUR.     The  bone  of  the  thigh. 

FETOR.     Stench. 

FISTULA.  An  obstinate  tube-like 
sore,  with  a  narrow  orifice ; 
adj.  Fistulous. 

FISTULA  LACHRYMALIS.  An  ul- 
cerated opening  in  the  la- 
chrymal sac. 

FLATUS.  Wind  in  the  intestines. 
Flatulency. 

FCETUS.    The  infant  in  the  womb. 

FOMENTATION.  The  application 
of  flannel  wet  with  warm  wa- 
ter. 

FUNCTIONAL  DISEASES.  Those 
in  which  there  is  supposed  to 
be  only  derangement  of  action. 

FURUNCULUS.     A  boil. 

FURUNCULUS  MALIGNANS.  Car- 
buncle. 

GANGRENE.  Incipient  mortifica- 
tion ;  adj.  Gangrenous. 

GASTRALGIA.  Pain  in  the  sto- 
mach. 

GASTRIC.  Belonging  to  the  sto- 
mach. 

GASTRITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
stomach. 

GASTRODYNIA.     Vide    Cardialgia. 

GESTATION.     Pregnancy. 

GLAND.  A  small  body  met  with 
in  many  parts  of  the  body,  and 
consisting  of  various  tissues, 
blood-vessels,  nerves,  &c. 

GLOSSITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
tongue. 

GLOTTIS.  Opening  of  the  wind- 
pipe. The  superior  opening 
of  the  larynx. 

GRANULATION.     See   Incarnation. 

H.XMATEMESIS.        Vomiting      of 

blood. 
HEMOPTYSIS.  Discharge  of  blood 

from   the    lungs.      Spitting  of 

blood. 
HEMORRHAGE.  Discharge  of 

blood. 


GLOSSARY. 


639 


HEMORRHOIDS.     Piles. 

HECTIC  FEVER.  Habitual  or  pro- 
tracted fever. 

HELMINTHIASIS.     Worm  disease. 

HEMIPHLEGIA.  Paralysis  of  one 
side  of  the  body  longitudinally. 

HEPATITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
liver. 

HEPATIZATION.  Structural  de- 
rangement of  the  lungs,  the 
result  of  inflammation;  chang- 
ing them  into  a  substance  re- 
sembling the  liver,  hence  its 
name. 

HERNIA.     Rupture. 

HERNIA  CONGENITA.  Congenital 
hernia.  Literally,  hernia  from 
birth. 

HERPES.     A  species  of  eruption. 

HERPES  CIRCINNATUS.  Ring- 
worm- 

HORDEOLUM.     Stye. 

HYDROCEPHALUS.  Water  in  the 
head. 

HYDROPHOBIA  SYMPTOMATICA — 
Symptoms  resembling  those 
arising  from  hydrophobic  virus, 
appearing  during  the  course  of 
other  diseases. 

HYPERTROPHY,  A  morbid  in- 
crease of  any  organ,  arising 
from  excessive  nutrition. 

HYPOCRATIC.  Sunken  and  corpse- 
like. 

HYPOCHONDRIUM.  Region  of  the 
abdomen,  contained  under  the 
cartilage  of  the  false  ribs. 

HYPOCHONDRIASIS.  Spleen  dis- 
ease ;  great  depression  of  spi- 
rits, with  general  functional 
derangement;  adj.  Hypochon- 
driacal. 

HYPOGASTRIUM.  The  lower  an- 
terior portion  of  the  abdomen. 

HYSTERIA.  Nervous  affection  ; 
almost  peculiar  to  females. 

ICHOR.  A  thin  watery  discharge 
secreted  from  wounds,  ulcers, 
&c. ;  adj.  Icharous. 


ICTERUS.     Jaundice. 

ICTERUS  NEONATORUM.  Jaundice 
of  infants. 

IDIOPATHIC.  Original,  or  primary 
disease. 

IDIOSYNCRASY.  Individual  pecu- 
liarity. 

ILIUM.  The  haunch  bone.  It, 
together  with  the  pubis,  sa- 
crum, and  ischium,  contributes 
to  form  the  pelvis. 

ILEUS  MISERERE.  A  form  of  colic, 
a  twisting  pain  in  the  region  of 
the  navel. 

INCARCERATED.  Strangulated  or 
constricted  ;  a  term  applied  to 
rupture. 

INCARNATION.  The  process  by 
which  abscesses  or  ulcers  are 
healed ,  this  takes  place  by 
means  of  little  grain-like  fleshy 
bodies,  denominated  granula- 
tions, which  form  on  the  sur- 
face of  ulcers  or  suppurating 
wounds,  &c.,  and  serve  the 
double  purpose  of  filling  up 
the  cavities  and  bringing  close- 
ly together  and  uniting  their 
sides. 

INCUBUS.     The  nightmare. 

INFECTION.  Propagation  of  dis- 
ease by  effluvia. 

INFILTRATION.  Diffusion  of  fluids 
into  the  cellular  tissue. 

INGESTA.     Food ;  aliment. 

INSPISSATED.     Thickened. 

INTEGUMENTS.  The  coverings  of 
any  part  of  the  body.  The 
skin  with  the  adherent  fat  and 
cellular  membrane  form  the 
common  integuments. 

JSCHIAS.     Pain  in  the  hip. 

ISCHIUM.     Hip-bone. 

ISCHURIA.     Suppression  of  urine. 


LACHRYMATION.     Tear  shedding. 
LACTATION.     Suckling  ;    also  the 

process    of    the    secretion   of 

milk. 


640 


GLOSSARY. 


L.VRVNGEAL.  Belonging  to  the 
larynx. 

LARYNGISMUS  STRIDULUS.  Asthma 
of  Millar. 

LARYNGITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
larynx. 

LARYNX.  Upper  part  of  the  wind- 
pipe. 

LESIONS.  Injuries  inflicted  by 
violence,  &c. 

LESION,  ORGANIC.  Structural  de- 
rangement, or  injury. 

LEUCO-PHLEGMATIC.  Torpid  or 
sluggish  :  mostly  applied  to  a 
temperament  characterized  by 
want  of  tension  of  fibre ;  with 
light  hair,  and  general  inert- 
ness of  the  physical  and  mental 
powers. 

LWOOBBBCBA.  Female  sexual 
weakness  ;  vulg.  Whites. 

LOCHIA.  Discharge  from  the 
womb  after  delivery. 

LUMBAGO.  Rheumatism  in  the 
loins. 

LUMBAR.  Appertaining  to  the 
loins. 

LUMBRICUS,  plur.  Lumbrici.  The 
round  or  long  worm. 

LUXATION.     Dislocation. 

LYMPH.  A  colorless  liquid,  cir- 
culating in  the  lymphatics. 

LYMPHATIC.  As  applied  to  tem- 
perament ;  same  as  Leucophleg- 
matic. 

LYMPHATICS.  Absorbent  vessels 
with  glands  and  valves  distri- 
buted over  the  body. 

LYMPHATIC  GLANDS.  See  CON- 
GLOBATE GLANDS. 


MAMMA.  The  breast  in  the  fe- 
male. 

MANIA.     Insanity;  madness. 

MARASMUS.  A  wasting  away  of 
the  body. 

MECONIUM.  The  excrementitious 
matter  discharged  from  the  in- 
testines of  a  newly-born  infant. 


MEGRIM.  A  pain  affecting  only 
one  side  of  the  head. 

MEIBOMIAN  GLANDS.  Small  glands 
within  the  inner  membrane  of 
the  eyelids. 

MENORRHAGIA.  Excessive  dis- 
charge of  blood  from  the  uterus. 

MENSTRUAL  FLUX.  The  monthly 
period. 

MENINGITIS  SPINALIS.  Inflam- 
mation of  the  spinal  mem- 
branes. 

METASTASIS.  The  passing  of  a 
disease  from  one  part  to  another. 

METRORRHAGIA.  Discharge  of 
blood  from  the  womb. 

MIASM,  or  Miasma  (Marsh.)  Pe- 
culiar effluvia  or  emanations 
from  swampy  grounds. 

MICTURITION.     Urination. 

MILIARIA.  Eruptions  of  minute 
transparent  vesicles  of  the  size 
of  millet  seeds ;  miliary  erup- 
tion. 

MILIARIA  PURPURA.    Scarlet-rash. 

MORBUS  COXARIUS.  Disease  of 
the  hip  ;  hip-disease. 

Mucous  MEMBRANE.  The  mem- 
brane which  lines  the  sides  of 
cavities  which  communicate 
with  the  external  air,  such  as 
that  which  lines  the  mouth, 
stomach,  &c. 

Mucus.  One  of  the  primary  ani- 
mal fluids ;  secretion  from  the 
nostrils. 

MYELITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
spinal  marrow. 

MYOPIA.  Short-sight ;  near-sight- 
edness. 


NARCOTIC.  Having  the  property 
of  inducing  sleep. 

NASAL.     Belonging  to  the  nose. 

NASAL  CARTILAGES.  The  car- 
tilages of  the  nose. 

XATES      The  buttocks. 

NEPHRITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
kidneys. 


GLOSSARY. 


641 


NEURALGIA.     Pain  in  a  nerve. 

NEURALGIA  FACIALIS.  Face-ache. 

NODOSITIES.  Swellings ;  nodes, 
a  swelling  of  the  bone  or  thicken- 
ing of  the  periosteum. 

NOTALGIA.     Pains  in  the  loins. 


OBESITY.     Corpulency. 

ODONTALGIA.     Tooth-ache. 

(EDEMA.  Swelling ;  dropsical 
swelling;  adj.  CEdematous. 

OLFACTION.  The  act  of  smell- 
ing. 

OMENTUM.  The  caul.  The  vis- 
cus  consists  of  folds  of  the  pe- 
ritoneum connected  together  by 
cellular  tissue ;  it  is  attached 
to  the  stomach, .  lying  on  the 
anterior  surface  of  the  bowels. 

OPHTHALMIA.  By  this  term  is 
now  usually  understood  simple 
inflammation  of  the  conjunctiva. 
(Catarrhal  Ophthalmia.) 

OPHTHALMITIS.     Inflammation  of 

the  entire  ball  of  the  eye. 

ORCHITIS.  Swelling  of  the  tes- 
ticle. 

ORGANIC  DISEASE.  In  pathology, 
diseases  in  which  there  is  de- 
rangement or  alteration  of 
structure  are  termed  organic. 

Os  UTERI.  The  mouth  or  open- 
ing of  the  womb. 

OTALGIA.     Ear-ache. 

OTITIS.    Inflammation  of  the  ear. 

OTORRHCEA.  A  discharge,  or 
running  from  the  ear. 

OZJENA.  An  ulcer  situated  in  the 
nose.  See  Ozcena. 


PALPEBR.S:.     The  eyelids. 

PALPITATIS  CORDIS.  Palpitation 
of  the  heart. 

PANARIS.  Whitlow  ;  panaritium  ; 
paronychia. 

PANCREAS.  A  gland  situated 
transversely  behind  the  sto- 
mach. 


PARALYSIS.     Palsy. 

PARALYSIS  PARAPLEGICA.  Para- 
lysis affecting  one  half  of  the 
body  transversely. 

PARENCHYMA.  The  connecting 
medium  of  the  substance  of 
the  lungs. 

PAROTITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
parotid  gland  ;  the  mumps. 

PAROXYSM.  A  periodical  fit  of  a 
disease. 

PARTURITION.  The  act  of  bring- 
ing forth. 

PATHOGENETIC.  The  producing 
or  creating  of  abnormal  pheno- 
mena. 

PATHOGNOMONIC.  Characteristic 
of  and  peculiar  to  any  disease. 

PATHOLOGY.  The  investigation 
of  the  nature  of  disease. 

PECTORAL.  Appertaining  to  the 
chest. 

PECTUS.     The  chest. 

PEDICULI.     Lice. 

PELVIS.  The  basin-shaped  ca- 
vity below  the  abdomen,  con- 
taining the  bladder  and  rec- 
tum ;  and  womb  in  woman. 

PERCUSSIOH.  The  act  of  strik- 
ing upon  the  chest,  &c.  in  or- 
der to  elicit  sounds  to  ascer- 
tain the  state  of  the  subjacent 
parts. 

PERINEUM.  The  space  between 
the  anus  and  the  external  sex- 
ual organs. 

PERIOSTEUM.  The  membrane 
which  envelops  the  bones. 

PERITONAEUM.  The  serous  mem- 
brane which  lines  the  cavity 
of  the  abdomen,  and  enve- 
lops the  viscera  contained 
therein. 

PERITONITIS.  Inflammation  of 
the  peritoneum. 

PERNIONES.     Chilblains. 

PERTUSSIS.     Hooping-cough. 

PETECHI*.  Spots  of  a  red  or 
purple  hue,  resembling  a  flea- 
bite. 


642 


GLOSSARY. 


PHAGEDENIC.  A  term  applied  to 
any  sores  which  eat  away  the 
parts  as  it  were. 

PHARYNX.  The  throat,  or  upper 
part  of  the  gullet. 

PHASES.  Appearances,  or  changes 
exhibited  by  any  body,  or  by 
disease. 

PHLEGMATIC.  Vide  Leuco-phleg- 
matic. 

PHLEGMON.  An  inflammation  of 
that  nature  which  is  otherwise 
termed  healthy  inflammation. 

PHRENITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
brain. 

PHTHISIS.  (Pulmonalis )  Con- 
sumption, abscess  of  the  lungs. 

PHYSIOLOGY.  The  branch  of  me- 
dicine which  treats  of  the  func- 
tions of  the  human  body. 

PLETHORA.  An  excessive  full- 
ness of  the  blood-vessels. 

PLEURA.  The  serous  membrane 
which  lines  the  cavity  of  the 
thorax  or  chest. 

PLEURITIS,  or  PLEURISY.  Inflam- 
mation of  the  pleura. 

PLEURODYNIA.  Pain  or  stitch  in 
the  side. 

PNEUMONIA,  PNEUMONITIS,  PERI- 
PNEUMONIA.  Inflammation  of 
the  parenchyma  of  the  lung. 

POLYPUS.  A  tumor  most  fre- 
quently met  with  in  the  nose, 
uterus  or  vagina. 

PORRIGO  SCUTULATA.  Ringworm 
of  the  scalp. 

PORRIGO  CERVALIS.  Milk-crust ; 
milk-scab. 

POSTERIOR  NARES.  The  posterior 
nostrils  which  open  into  the 
fauces. 

PR.SCORDIAL  REGION.  The  fore- 
part of  the  chest. 

PRIM*  VI^E.  The  stomach,  and 
intestinal  tube.  (The  first  pas- 
sages.) 

PROGNOSIS.  The  faculty  of  pre- 
dicting what  will  take  place  in 
diseases. 


PROLAPSUS  Am.  Protrusion  of 
the  intestines. 

PROPHYLAXIS,  plur.  Prophylaxes. 
Means  or  remedies  used  as  pre- 
servatives against  disease. 

PROSOPALGIA.     Face-ache. 

PRURIGO.     Itching  of  the  skin. 

PSOAS  MUSCLES  The  names  of 
two  muscles  situate  in  the  loins. 

PSOITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
psoas  muscle. 

PRESBYOPIA.     Obscure  sight. 

PTYALISM.     Salivation. 

PUBIS.     The  pubic  bone. 

PUERPERAL  FEVEH.  Appertain- 
ing to  childbed. 

PURIFORM.  Pus-like,  resembling 
pus. 

PURULENT.  Of  the  character  of  pus. 

Pus.  Matter.  A  whitish,  bland, 
cream-like  fluid,  found  in  ab- 
scesses, or  on  the  surface  of 
sores. 

PUSTULE.  An  elevation  of  the 
scarf-skin,  containing  pus  or 
lymph,  and  having  an  inflamed 
base. 

PYROSIS.  Heartburn,  Waterbrash. 


QUINSY.  Inflammatory  sore  throat 
QUOTIDIAN.      Intermittent,  about 

twenty-four  hours  intervening 

between  the  attacks. 


RABIES.  Madness  arising  from 
the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal,  ge- 
nerally applied  to  the  disease 
showing  itself  in  the  brute 
creation. 

RACHITIS.     The  rickets. 

RALE,  RATTLES.  Sound  in  the 
chest,  &c.  on  auscultation,  &c. 

RANULA.  A  tumor  under  the 
tongue. 

RAUCITAS,     Hoarseness. 

RECTUM.  The  last  of  the  large 
intestines,  terminating  in  the 
anus. 


GLOSSARY. 


643 


REMITTENT.  A  term  applied  to 
fevers  with  marked  remissions, 
and  generally  subsequent  ex- 
acerbation. The  yellow  fever 
of  tropical  countries. 

REPERCUSSED.     Driven  in. 

RESOLUTION.  A  termination  of 
inflammatory  affections  with- 
out abscess,  mortification,  &c. 
The  term  is  also  applied  to  the 
dispersion  of  swellings,  indura- 
tions, &c. 

RIGORS.  Coldness,  attended  more 
or  less  by  shivering. 

ROSE.  A  term  applied  to  erysi- 
pelas, from  its  color. 

RUBEOLA.    Measles. 


SACRUM.  The  bone  which  forms 
the  base  of  the  vertebral  co- 
lumn. 

SALIVA.  The  fluid  secreted  by 
the  salivary  glands  into  the 
cavity  of  the  mouth. 

SATURNINE.  Preparations  con- 
taining lead. 

SANGUINEOUS.  Consisting  of 
blood. 

SANIES.  A  thin  greenish  dis- 
charge of  fetid  matter,  from 
sores,  fistulas,  &c. 

SCABIES.     PSORA.     Itch. 

SCAPULA.      The    shoulder-blade. 

SCIATICA.  A  rheumatic  affection 
of  the  hip-joint. 

SCIRRHUS.  Indolent,  glandular 
tumor,  generally  preceding 
cancer  in  an  ulcerated  form. 

SCLEROTICA.  The  hard  mem- 
brane of  the  eye  ;  it  is  situated 
immediately  under  the  con- 
junctiva. 

SCORBUTUS.     Scurvy. 

SECRETORY  VESSELS,  or  ORGANS. 
Parts  of  the  animal  economy, 
which  separate  or  secrete  the 
various  fluids  of  the  body. 

SEMI-LATERAL.  Limited  to  one 
side. 


SEQUELA,  plur.  Sequela. 

SINUS.     A   cavity  or  depression. 

SLOUGH.  The  part  that  separates 
from  a  foul  ulcer. 

SOLIDIFICATION.  Vide  Hepatiza- 
tion- 

SOMNOLENCE.  Disposition  to 
sleep. 

SORDES.  The  viscid,  fetid,  brown- 
ish, red-colored  matter  dis- 
charged from  ulcers.  The 
matter  which  forms  round  the 
teeth  in  fever,  &c.  has  like- 
wise received  this  appellation. 

SPECIFIC.  A  remedy  possessing 
a  peculiai  curative  action  in 
certain  diseases. 

SPLENITIS.  Inflammation  of  the 
spleen. 

SPUTA.  Expectoration  of  diffe- 
rent kinds. 

ST.  ANTHONY'S  FIRE.  Erysipelas. 

STERTOROUS.     Snoring. 

STOMACACE.  Canker,  or  scurvy 
of  the  mouth. 

STRABISMUS.    Squinting. 

STRANGURY.  Painful  discharge 
of  urine. 

STERNUM.     The  breast-bone. 

STETHOSCOPE.  An  instrument 
to  assist  the  ear  in  examin- 
ing the  morbid  sounds  of  the 
chest. 

STRICTURE.  A  constriction  of  a 
tube  or  duct  of  some  part  of 
the  body. 

STRUMA.  SCROFULA.  The  king's 
evil ;  adj.  Strumous. 

STYE.  An  inflammatory  small 
tumor  on  the  eyelid. 

SUB-MAXILLARY.     Under  the  jaw. 

SUB-MAXILLARY  GLANDS.  Glands 
on  the  inner  side  of  the  lower 
jaw. 

SuB-Mucous  TISSUE.  Placed 
under  the  mucous  membrane. 

SUPPURATION.  The  morbid  ac- 
tion by  which  pus  is  deposited, 
in  inflammatory  tumor,  &c. 

SUBSULTUS  TENTMNUM.      Twitch- 


644 


GLOSSARY. 


ings  ;  sudden  starts  of  the  ten- 
dons ;  weak  convulsive  move- 
ments which  are  often  too 
feeble  to  elevate  the  limb  it- 
self, but  sufficiently  strong  to 
be  readily  seen  or  felt  in  the 
muscles  and  their  tendons. 
They  are  most  frequently  met 
with  in  states  of  extreme  de- 
bility, particularly  in  low,  ner- 
vous, or  typhoid  fevers,  and 
are,  in  such  cases,  usually  to 
be  dreaded  as  prognostications 
of  approaching  dissolution. 

SYNCOPE.    Fainting  or  swooning. 

SYNOCHIA.  Continued  inflam- 
matory fever. 

SYNOVIA.  A  peculiar,  unctuous 
fluid  secreted  within  the  joints, 
which  it  lubricates,  and  there- 
by serves  to  facilitate  their 
motions. 

SYNOVIAL  MEMBRANE.  The  mem- 
brane which  lines  the  cavities 
of  the  joints,  and  secretes  the 
synovia. 


TABES  MESENTERICA.  A  disease 
of  a  set  of  glands  situated  in 
the  abdomen. 

T/WUA.     Tape- worm. 

TARTAR,  A  concretion  encrust- 
ing the  teeth. 

TEMPORAL-  Appertaining  to  the 
temples. 

TENDON.  The  white  and  shining 
extremity  of  a  muscle. 

TENESMUS.  Painful  and  constant 
urging  to  alvine  evacuations, 
without  a  discharge. 

TETANUS,  adj.  Tetanic.  A  spas- 
modic rigidity  of  the  parts  af- 
fected. 

THERAPEUTICS.  That  branch  of 
medicine  which  describes  the 
action  of  the  different  means 
employed  for  the  curing  of  dis- 
eases, and  of  the  application 
of  those  means. 


THORAX.  The  chest,  or  that  part 
of  the  body  situated  between 
the  neck  and  the  abdomen. 

THRUSH.  Numerous  small  white 
vesicles  in  the  mouth.  See 
Thrush. 

Tic  DOULOUREUX.    Face-ache. 

TINEA  ANNULARIS.  TINEA  CA- 
PITIS.  Ringworm  of  the  scalp. 

TINEA  FACIEI.  Milk-crust ;  milk- 
scab. 

TONIC.  Medicines  which  are 
said  to  increase  the  tone  of  the 
muscular  fibre  when  debilitated 
and  relaxed. 

TONSILS.  The  oblong,  sub-oval 
glands  placed  between  the 
arches  of  the  palate 

TONSILLITIS.  Inflammation  of 
the  tonsils- 

TOPICAL.  Remedies  applied  to 
a  particular  part. 

TRACHEA.     The  windpipe. 

TRACHEOTOMY.  An  operation  by 
opening  the  windpipe. 

TRAUMATIC.  Appertaining  to 
\vounds ;  arising  from  wounds. 

TREMOR.     Trembling. 

TRISMUS.     Lock-jaw. 

TRITUKATION.  The  reduction  of 
a  substance  to  minute  division, 
by  means  of  long-continued 
rubbing. 

TUBERCLE.  A  small,  round,  erup- 
tive swelling,  anatomically 
speaking.  In  pathalogy,  the  ' 
name  is  applied  to  a  peculiart 
morbid  product  occurring  in 
various  organs  or  textures,  in 
the  form  of  small,  round,  isolat- 
ed masses  of  a  dull  whitish 
yellow,  or  yellowish  grey  co- 
lor, opaque,  unorganized,  and 
varying  in  shape  and  consis- 
tence according  to  their  stage 
of  development  and  the  tex- 
ture of  part  in  which  they  are 
engendered. 

TUMEFACTION.     Swelling. 

TUMEFIED.     Swollen. 


GLOSSARY. 


645 


TUMID.     Vide  Tumefied. 
TYPHOID.     Applied  to  diseases  of 
a  low  character. 


UMBILICAL    CORD.       The     navel 

string. 

UMBILICUS.     The  navel. 
URETHRA.     The  urinary  canal. 
URTICARIA.     Nettle-rash. 
UTERCS.     The  womb. 


VARICELLA.  Pimples,  quickly 
forming  pustules,  seldom  pass- 
ing into  suppuration,  but  burst- 
ing at  the  point  and  drying  into 
scabs.  Chicken-pock. 

VARIOLA.     Smallpox. 

VARIOLA  SPURIA.     (Varicella.} 
Chicken-pock. 

VARIX,  plur.  Varices.  Swelling 
or  enlargement  of  the  veins. 

VENESECTION.  The  abstraction 
of  blood  by  opening  a  vein. 


VESICCATIONS.  An  eruptive  ele- 
vation of  the  cuticle,  contain- 
ing a  clear  serous  fluid. 

VERTIGO.  Giddiness,  with  a  sen- 
sation as  if  falling. 

VESICLE.  ,A  small  bladder-like 
eruption;  an  elevation  of  the 
cuticle  containing  a  transparent 
watery  fluid. 

VICARIOUS.  Acting  as  a  substi- 
tute. 

VIRUS.     Contagion  or  poison. 

VISCID.  Glutinous  and  gelati- 
nous. 

Viscus,  plur.  Viscera.  Any  or- 
gan of  the  system.  A  bowl 

VOMICA.  An  abscess  of  the 
lungs. 


WHITLOW.    A  collection  of  pus 
in  the  finger. 


ZONA.     Shingles. 


INDEX. 


Abdomen,  affections  of 
,     dropsy  of 

Abscess 
of  the  gums 

Acne      .         . 

Aconite. 


Page. 

93.   107 

.     324 

.       90 

.     262 

84 

.     574 


Affections  of  stomach  and  bowels  93 
of  windpipe  and  chest  157 

of  the  lungs      .         .158 

of  the  heart      .         .  196 

of  the  mind       .         .  205 

from  fright  and  fear, 

excessive  joy,  grief, 
home  sickness,  jea- 
lousy, chagrin,  vio- 
lent anger,  insult 
and  mortification, 

unhappy  love.         .  214 

of  the  head        .         .  218 

of  the  eyes        .         .  233 

of  the  ears        .         .  246 

of  the  nose        .         .  253 

of  the  teeth       .         .  256 

of  the  mouth  and  throat  267 

of  the  urinary  organs  274 

general  of  Rheumatism  29 1 

After  pains     .         .         .         .  364 

Agaricus         «$       .         .         .  576 

Alumina          ;      .  .  •  •   .         .  575 

Amenorrhea  .  329 

Angina  .         .         .  -  -  .         .  267 

pectoris    .         .         .  303 

Anasarca,  or  Cellular  dropsy  .  324 

Anatomy        ....  469 

of  the  bones      .         .  470 

of  the  muscles  .         .  474 

of  brain  and  nervous 

system  .        .         .  476 

of  organs  of  digestion  480 

of  urinary  organs      .  482 

respiration  and  circu- 

lation   .         .         .  482 

of  the  heart      .         .  484 

of  the  skin       .         •  485 

of  the  teeth      .         .  486 

of  the  eyes        .         .  486 

Animal  heat  .         ,  ••-•-.         .  501 

Apoplexy        .         ...         .  226 

647 


Page. 

Aphthae  .  .  .  .393 

Appetite,  loss  of  .  .  .99 

,  morbid  .  .  .99 

Arnica  .....  576 
Arsenic .....  577 

Ascitis 324 

Asphyxia  ....  447 
Asthma  .  .  .  .190 

of  children  .  .  427 

Aurum  .....  578 
Back,  pain  in  the  small  of  the  297 


Bathing 
Bath    shower 

sitz       .     s   i 

drop     .         ; 

douche 

wet  bandage 
wet  sheet  . 
sulphur 


Bath 


Belladonna 
Bichromate  of  Potash 
Bilious  fever  . 

infantile       .   ' 

colic      . 

Bites  and  stings  of  insects  and 

serpents      . 

Bladder,  inflammation  of 
Bleeding  from  the  nose  . 

from  the  lungs 

Bloody  flux     . 

Boils       ....... 

,  gum     . 

Bowels,  inflammation  of 
dropsy  of 


531 

.  532 

.  532 

.  532 

.  532 

.  533 

.  533 

.  534 

.  579 

.  608 

.  45 

-  409 

108 


436 
276 
253 
180 
138 
89 
262 
124 
324 
229 
262 
365 
367 
367 


Brain,  inflammation  of  .  , 
Breath,  offensive  .  .  . 
Breasts  .... 

,     gathered    .         .         . 

,     ague  in  the 

,  swelling  of  the,  in  in- 
fants ....  392 
Bronchitis  .  .  .  .  178 
Bryonia .  .  .  .  .  581 
Burns  and  scalds  .  .  .  430 
Calcarea  ....  583 
Camphor  /  .  .  .  584 
Cannabis  ....  684 
Cancer  .  .  ,  319 


648 

INDEX. 

Page.                                                                   Page. 

Cancer    of    the     face,     lip=>, 

Constitution,  varieties  of        .         1 

cheeks,  nose,  tongue 

,     feeble       ...         1 

and  stomach  . 

322 

,     bilious     ...          1 

Canker  of  the  mouth 

264 

,     apoplectic         .         .         2 

Calculi            .... 

280 

t     nervous            .         .         2 

Cantharis        .... 

585 

—  —  ,     mucous  or  lymphatic        2 

Capsicum        .... 

585 

ci.it  tirrliul  or  rheumatic      2 

Carbo  vcg  

586 

,     consumptive    .         .         2 

Carbuncle       .... 

89 

Consumption,  pulmonary        .     186 

Carcinoma      .... 

319 

Contents,  table  of  .         .         .       vii 

Cardialgia      .... 

102 

Contusion       ....     432 

Catarrh           .... 

255 

Convulsions  ....     363 

Causes  of  disease  . 

514 

,     during  labor    .         .     363 

Causticum      .... 

587 

.     of  children       ,         .398 

Cephalgia       .... 

218 

Corns     .         .         .         .         .91 

Chamomilla    . 

ft88 

Cough    164 

Chancre          .... 

288 

indication  of              .         8 

Change  of  life 

336 

,     croupy       .         .         .     418 

Chest,  affections  of 

157 

,     whooping          ,         .     422 

,  congestion  of      . 

184 

Cramps,  during  pregnancy     .     359 

,  dropsy  of    . 

324 

Crocus   .....     595 

Chicken-pox  (Varicella) 

70 

Croup    418 

Chilblains       .... 

85 

Crusta-lactea           .         .         .81 

Child-bed  fever 

36'J 

Crying  of  infants    .                   .     392 

China     

590 

Cuprum           ....     596 

Chlorosis        .... 

337 

Cure,  theory  of               .         .     556 

Cholera  morbus 

139 

Cutaneous  diseases         .         .       55 

Asiatic       .         .         . 

142 

Cystitis           ...               276 

infantum    .         . 

416 

Deafness         .         .                  .     248 

Chorea  

308 

Death,  signs  of      .                   .     443 

Ciatica   ..... 

305 

,     apparent  .                  .     459 

Cina       

591 

•,           —     from  drowning  459 

Cleanliness. 

526 

—  ,               •     in  tin  nanging     'Au'* 

Climate,  changes  of 

516 

f                         f  L__ 

Cccculus         .... 

592 

ing     .         .     464 

Coffca             .... 

592 

•,           —     from    noxious 

Colchicum      .... 

593 

gases           .     464 

Colocynth       .... 

593 

—  •  —  ,           —    from  hunger      464 

Cold  in  the  head,  Coryza 

160 

4'          4V-.ii.        A  r  ~\ 

of  infants 

391 

,           —     from    lighten- 

Colic       

107 

ing    .         .     466 

painters 

108 

,           —     from-  a  fall     .     466 

bilious 

108 

,           —    of    new    born 

flatulent 

108 

infants        .     390 

during  menses 

332 

Delirium  tremens    .         .         .312 

of  infants     . 

392 

Delivery,  treatment  after         .     364 

Concussion     .... 

432 

Dentition        ....     400 

Confinement  .... 
Congestion  of  chest         . 
Conium  ..... 

364 
184 
594 

Description  of  plates       .         .     488 
Diabetes          ....     280 
Diagnosis,  general          .         .         9 

Constipation,  Costiveness 

149 

Diarrhoea        .          .         .         .128 

,     during  pregnancy    . 

354 

,     during  pregnancy         355 

,     of  infants 

396 

of  infants                      MU'r 

INDEX. 


Page. 

Page. 

Diarrhoea,  of  children     . 

415 

Fainting  during  pregnancy     . 

356 

Diei         

527 

Fall,  apparent  death  from 

466 

|              frvm 

15  '  Falling  of  the  womb 

345 

,     allowed 

16 

Felon 

87 

1     *  L  *  *  _    1 

17 

Females,  diseases  of  . 

328 

of"  infcints 

378 

Ferrum 

598 

Digestion,  physiology  of 

508 

^Qfi 

Fever 

25 
vq 

.Digitalis          .          .         «.*•  •  '•  -• 
Diseases,  causes  of 

UJU 

514 

inflammatory  . 

jfcc1 

30 

f  rtu;i  i 

390 

typhoid  or  nervou0 

31 

,     Hi  cnuureii        .          . 

•      a                         f        •      j 

535 

int*rmif  tpr»t 

49 

—  ;     mnuence  01  minu  on 

,     predisposition   to 

538    and  ague 

49 

Dislocations            .         .  r~-  —  »- 

432 

yellow 

39 

Dizziness        .         .         .  ,  —  —  . 

224 

remittent 

45 

Dose  and  its  repetition  .     *+*> 

12 

in  fantile 

409 

Dropsy            .         .         .         . 

323 

—  .  —      bilious 

45 

,     general        *.n.-       » 

324 

eruptive 

55 

f\f  tTlP  Hrain 

404 

scarlet 

58 

,     of  the  chest     .    .    ». 

324 

puerperal         . 

369 

,     of  the  abdomen 

324 

milk    • 

365 

Drosera  ..... 

597 

Flatulent  colic 

108 

Dulcamara      .         .         .     *j* 

597 

Flooding 

334 

Dysentery 

134 

Food  for  infants 

378 

Dysmenorrhoea    . 

332 

Fluor  albus      .             . 

341 

Dyspepsy             .             . 

93 

Fractures 

432 

Ear,  inflammation  of      ...   *~'-t* 

246 

Freezing,  apparent  death  from 

465 

,     pain  in  the 

247 

Frozen  limbs 

431 

,     noises  in  the 

250 

Gastralgia 

102 

,     running  of  the    . 

251 

Gastric  affections 

93 

,     foreign  substances  in  the  252 

Gastritis      ,     . 

121 

Education            .             .        •••. 

544 

Gathered  breasts 

367 

Electricity      .... 

604 

Genital  organs,  affections  of 

274 

Enteritis 

124 

Giddiness 

224 

Enuresis 

284 

Glands,  swelling  of    . 

90 

Epilepsy               . 

307 

Gleet 

287 

Epistaxis 

253 

Glossary 

635 

Eruptive  diseases 

55 

Glossitis 

265 

Erysipelas  (Rose)  . 

67 

Gonorrhoea 

285 

Eupatorium    .... 

632 

Gout,  Arthritis             .     • 

296 

Euphrasia       .... 

598 

Graphites 

599 

Excoriation 

86 

Gravel 

280 

of  infants     . 

394 

Green-sickness 

337 

Exercise              .  .  _ 

531 

Gumboil 

262 

Eyelids,  inflammation  of 

242 

Gums,  abscess  in  the  . 

262 

A                                       .1 

243 

Haemoptysis    . 

180 

j     siye  on  me                . 

,     ulceration  of   . 

243 

Hair,  falling  of 

231 

Eyes  affections  of 
weakness  of 

233 
233 

Hanging,  apparent  death  from 
Hardness  of  hearing    . 

464 

248 

inflammation  of 

237 

Head,    affections  of    . 

218 

—    —  in  infants 

393 

11"                   f  '       f         4 

391 

—  •,     s\\  euing  01  miants 

watery 

243 

160 

foreign  substances  in 

244 

,    —  •     of  infants 

391 

Face-ache,  Neuralgia 

299 

Headache 

218 

X 

650                                                        INDEX. 

Page. 
Headache  from  congestion      .     218 
from  cold                          221 

] 

Inflammation  of  stomach 

Jage. 
121 
124 
172 
176 
229 
237 
393 
242 
246 
253 
265 
267 
274 
276 
290 
290 
345 
160 
162 
205 
436 
49 
86 
1 
605 
606 
77 
78 

357 
117 
394 
214 
214 
608 
606 
274 
609 
363 
362 
363 
363 
3fi4 
609 

176 
108 
341 
245 
113 
368 
309 
297 

from  constipation      .     221 

—  lungs 

from  external  causes     223 
—  .  —  ,     nervous        .             .     223 
—  -    sick                .             .     224 
Heart,  affections  of    .             .196 
,     palpitation  of  .             .201 
,     neuralgia  of    .              .     303 
Heartburn        .              .             .93 

—  •  brain 
—  eyes 

—  eyelids  . 
—  ear 
—  nose 

Heat  spots      .              .              .396 
Helleboms  nigcr                        .     600 
Hemorrhage  from  the  lungs    .     180 

—  kidneys 
—  bladder 
—  teetes 

Hemorrhoids    .                           .154 

Influenza 
—  •  —  ,     general 
Insanity           .... 
Insects,  stings  of              .         . 
Intermittent  fever 
Intertrigo        .... 
Introduction 
Ipecacuanha  .... 
lodiuin  
Itch        
Itching  of  the  skin 
Itching  of  the  privates  during 
pregnancy 
Jaundice,  Icterus    . 

Hopar.             .             .             .600 
Hepatitis         .             .             .113 
Hereditary  taint           .             .     538 
Herpes     '                      .              .83 
Hip,  disease        .             .     305.  315 

Hoarseness,  Aphonia,  Raucitas  158 
Homoeopathy  .              .             .     564 
Hooping  cough            .              .     422 
Humming  in  the  ears              .     250 
Hunger,  apparent  death  from      464 
Hyoscyamus    .                          .     602- 
Hydrocephalus             .              .     404 
Hydrophobia   .             .             .311 
Hydrothorax    .              .              .     324 
Hygiene           .              .              .514 
Hypochondria              .             .214 
Hysteria           .              .              .     214 
Icterus             .             .             .117 
Tgnatia             .              .              .     603 
Incontinence  of  urine             .     284 
Indigestion      .              .              .93 
Infants   first  treatment  of        .     371 
clothing  of       .          .     394 

fnnA    nf                                       Q7S 

Jealousy          .... 
Joy,  excessive 
Kali  bichroinatum  . 
carbonicum. 
Kidneys,  inflammation  of 
Kreosote         .... 
Labor,             .... 
,  false     .... 
,  cramps  after 
',  convulsions  during 
•  —  •  —  ,  pain  after 
Lachesis          .... 
Laryngitis,    Cynanche    Laryn- 
gia       ..... 
Lead  colic                       ^  .         . 
Leucorrhoea              .         .         .-• 
Lid,  falling  of  the  . 
Liver,  inflammation  of    . 
Lochia,  the 
Lockjaw 
Loin-ache        .... 

—     .  artificial  of      .     382 

air  and  exercise  for      386 
swelling  of  head  of       391 
—  —      cold  in  the  head  of       391 
colic  of  .          .          .     302 
swelling  of  the  breasts  of  392 
excoriation  of    .         .     394 
Inflammation  of  liver     .         .113 
—  spleen           .     119 

INDEX. 

651 

1 
Loss  of  appetite      . 
Loss  of  voice  .... 
Love,  unhappy 
Lumbago          . 
Lungs,  inflammation  of 

'age. 
99 
157 
214 
297 
172 
180 
610 
604 
210 
312 
541 
574 
64 
18 
229 
334 
336 
332 
336 
332 
334 
329 
328 
611 
81 
365 
366 
535 
214 
359 
209 
353 
613 
264 
256 
245 
613 
614 
99 
8 
353 
244 
274 
298 
299 
303 
304 
305 
102 
55 
367 
615 
253 

Nose,  affections,  of  the  . 
•,   bleeding  of  the  nose 
,   ulceration  of  the 
Nux  vomica    .... 
Offensive  breath 
Ophthalmia 

Page. 
252 
253 
255 
616 
262 
237 
237 
239 
240 
393 
241 
618 
247 
246 
251 
297 
315 
108 
273 
201 
306 
306 
361 
290 
618 
619 
620 
186 
493 
496 
510 
508 
154 
488 
620 
168 
171 
172 
175 
436 
437 
438 

439 
439 
439 
;439 
439 
440 
440 

440 

Lycopodium   .         .      ..... 
Magnetism      .         .         .    .-*;., 

h 

•         scrofulous 

Marriage                *.         .         . 
Materia  Medica 
Measles,  Morbilli    . 
Medicines,  list  of    . 
Meningitis      .... 
Menorrhagia 
Menses,  cessation  of 

Opium    ..... 
Otalgia  ..... 
Otitis      

Otorrhcea        .... 
Pains  in  the  small  of  the  back 
Pain  in  the  hip       .         .     305. 
Painter's  colic 
Palate,  swelling  of  the    . 
Palpitation  of  the  heart 
Palsy      ... 
Paralysis         .... 
Parturition     .... 
Penis,  inflammation  of 
Petroleum       .... 
Phosphorus     .... 
Phosphoric-acid 
Phthisis  pulmonalis 
Physiology      .... 

—  .  —  •,    irregular 

.    suppression  of   . 
Menstruation,  commencement  of 
Mercurius                 ... 

Milk  crust       .... 
Milk  fever       .... 
Milk,   suppressed  secretion  of 
Mind,  influence  on  disease 
,  affections  of  the 
Miscarriage     .... 
Monomania 
Morning  sickness 
Moschus          .... 
Mouth,  sore,  Canker  of  the 

circulation 

Piles        .                  .         .         . 

Plates,  description  of  the 
Platina  
Pleurisy,  Pleuritis  . 
Pleurodynia,  False  pleurisy    . 
Pneumonia     .... 
notha 
Poisoned  wounds    . 
Poisons  and  their  antidotes     . 
from  iodine 

Mumps            . 
Muriatic-acid  .... 
Natrum  nmriaticum 
Nausea            .... 

j     • 
during  pregnancy 

Near-sightedness    . 
Nephritis        .... 
Neuralgia        .... 
of  the  face 

and  sulphuric-acid 

,      spinal  marrow 

—   corrosive  sublimat 

stomach 
Nettle-rash     .... 
Nipples,  sore 
Nitric-acid       .... 
Nose,  inflammation  of  the 

—  •  —      —    lead 
—   nitrate  of  silver  . 
—   tin,  saltpetre,  can- 
tharides,    shell-fish,     animal 
matter          .... 

652 

INDEX. 

Page. 

Page. 

Poisons  from  prussic-acid,  opium 

Scald  head 

.       80 

and  other  narcotics 

441 

Scalds  . 

.     430 

Pregnancy      .... 

346 

Scarlet  rash 

.        57 

,  general  directions  during 

349 

fever  ("Scarlatina) 

.       68 

,  diet  during    . 

351 

Sciatica             . 

.     305 

,  longings  during 

352 

Scirrhus 

.     319 

,  derangements  during 

353 

Scrofula 

.     314 

,  morning    sickness   dur- 

Scurvy, Scorbutus  . 

.     262 

ing         .... 

353 

Sea-sickness    . 

.     100 

•  —  •  —  ,  constipation  during 

354 

Secale  coruutum 

.     625 

—  —  ,  diarrhoea  during 

355 

Seminal  emissions 

.     285 

-—  ,  headache  during    . 

355 

Sepia   . 

.     625 

,  fainting  and  hysteria  dur- 

Serpents, bites  of 

.     436 

ing       .... 

356 

Shingles,  or  Nettlerash 

.       55 

,  toothache  during   . 

356 

Shower-bath    . 

.     532 

—  —  ,  piles  during 

358 

Sick  headache 

.     224 

,  pains   in   the  back  and 

Sight,  weakness 

.     233 

and  side  during 

358 

Silicia  . 

.     627 

,  cramps,  during      .     359. 

363 

Sitting-bath     . 

.     532 

,  derangements  of  the  uri- 

Skin, itching  of 

.       78 

nary  organs,  during 

359 

Small-pox 

.       72 

,  miscarriage,  during 

359 

Snuffles 

.     391 

,  false  pains,  during 

362 

Sore  mouth 

.     264 

,  labor,  during  . 

363 

c  •  f    . 

.     395 

01  imams 

Prickly  heat 

396 

Sore  throat 

.     267 

Prosopalgia     .... 

298 

rtl  : 

.     267 

Prolapsus  Uteri 

345 

nipples 

.     367 

Prurigo            .... 

78 

Speech,  defects  of 

.     267 

Prurilis  and  Varicose  yeins    . 
Puerperal  fever 

357 
369 

Spigelia 
Spleen,  inflammation  of 

.     628 
.      119 

Pulsatilla        .... 

621 

Splenitis 

.     119 

Pulse     

3 

Spinal  Marrow,  Pain  in  the 

.     304 

healthy 

4 

Spongia 

.     628 

in  disease 

5 

Sprains             .            . 

.     431 

Purple-rash,  Miliaria  purpurea 

57 

Stammering     . 

.     267 

Quinsy  sore-throat 

267 

St.  Anthony's  fire 

.       67 

Rash,  nettle 

55 

Stibium 

630 

,  scarlet 

.57 

Stings  of  insects 

.     436 

,  purple 

67 

Stomach,  spasms  of    . 

.      102 

Remedies,  administration  of   . 

12 

.      102 

,     pain  in  tne    . 

TJ                   'fi               A      £ 

A*^. 

;     a                                     f 

121 

'V-cimitcni  lever                 .         • 

*O 

409 

,      nmu/iuiialioii  OI 

102 

,     neuralgia  of  tne 

Rheumatism 

291 

Stools,  indications  of 

7 

Rhubarb,  rheum.     . 

623 

St.  Vitus'  dance 

308 

Rhus-toxicodendron 

623 

Stye  on  eyelid 

243 

Rickets           .... 

315 

Sulphur 

.     629 

Ringworm      .... 

82 

Summer  complaint 

.     415 

Running  at  the  ears 

251 

Sun-stroke 

231 

Sabiua    ..... 

624 

Suppression  of  menses 

329 

Salivation        .... 

265 

of  milk    . 

366 

Sambucus       .... 

624 

—  ;  —         of  lochia  . 

^     368 

Sanguinaria    .... 

625 

Swelling  of  tonsils 

.     273 

Scabies            .... 

77        under  the  tongue 

.     266 

INDEX. 

» 

653 

Page. 

Page. 

Swelling  of  the  palate              .     273 
—  —      breast  in  infants  392 

Urine,  suppression  of 
,  retention 

278 
278 

Syphilis 

287 

,    of  infants 

396 

Tape-worm      .             .             . 

412 

,  incontinence  of 

284 

Tartar  emetic  . 

630 

Urticaria 

55 

Teeth,  affections  of 

256 

Uterus,  falling  of 

345 

Teething 

400 

Vaccination 

428 

Temperaments 

3 

Variola 

72 

Temperature,  changes  of 

516 

Varioloid 

76 

Testes,  inflammation  of 

290 

Veins,  varicose 

357 

Tetanus            •        t  • 

309 

Ventilation 

523 

Tetter, 

83 

Veratrum-album 

631 

Throat,  sore    . 

267 

Vertigo 

224 

_»1JM         ^G    t\\t* 

273 

sliivinrr  vtVA/vna-nstv* 

355 

Thrush 

395 

Vomiting 

99 

Thuja  .... 

631 

during  pregnancy    . 

353 

Tic-doloreux    . 

298 

Warts               . 

91 

Tinea  capitis   . 

80 

Water,  applications  of 

531 

Tongue,  swelling  under 

266 

Waterbrash 

93 

Tonsils,  swelling  of  the 

273 

Watery  eyes    . 

243 

Toothache 

256 

Weakness  of  sight 

233 

during  pregnancy    . 

356 

Weaning          .            .           ,. 

385 

Treatment  after  delivery 

364 

Wet  bandage 

533 

of  children 

371 

Wet-nurse 

389 

Tubercular  consumption 

186 

i      . 

533 

Tuberculosis        .              .     314. 

539 

Wetting  the  bed 

284 

Typhus  fever  . 

31 

Whites 

341 

Ulcers 

87 

White  swelling 

315 

,  simple   .             .            . 

87 

Whitlow 

87 

,  irritable 

88 

Windpipe,  inflammation  of 

176 

,  sloughing 

88 

Woman,  diseases  of    . 

328 

•_   J   _  1               A 

88 

Womb,  falling  of 

345 

Urinary  calculi 

280 

Worms 

412 

Urinary  organs,  affections  of  . 

274 

Wounds 

433 

during  pregnancy 

359 

poisoned          ,. 

436 

Urine,  varieties  of 

6    Yellow  fever 

39 

CATALOGUE 


FOR    SALE    BY 

WILLIAM  RADDE,  300  BROADWAY,  NEW-YORK, 

Between  Duane  and  Reade-sts., 
(late   No.    322   Broadway,} 

PUBLISHER  OF  HOMOEOPATHIC  BOOKS  AND  SOLE  AGENT  FOR  THE  LEIPZIG 
CENTRAL  HOMOEOPATHIC  PHARMACY. 

HOMOEOPATHIC  MEDICINES. 

WM.  RADDE,  300  Broadway,  New- York,  respectfully  informs  the  Homceopathic  Phy- 
sicians and  the  friends  of  the  System,  that  he  is  the  sole  Agent  for  the  Leipzig  Central 
Homffiopathic  Pharmacy,  and  that  he  has  always  on  hand  a  good  assortment  of  the 
best  Homeopathic  Medicines,  in  complete  sets  or  by  single  vials,  in  Tinctures,  Dilu- 
tions, and  Triturations  ;  also  Pocket  Cases  of  Medicines  ;  Physicians'  and  Family  Me- 
dicine Chests  to  Laurie's  Domestic  (60  to  82  Remedies).  —  EPP'S  (60  Remedies).  — 
BERING'S  (60  to  102  Remedies).  —  Small  Pocket  Cases  at  $3.  with  Family  Guide  and 
27  Remedies.  —  Cases  containing  415  Vials,  with  Tinctures  and  Triturations  for  Phy 
sicians, —  Cases  with  2fi8  Vials  of  Tinctures  and  Triturations  to  Jahr's  New  Manual, 
or  Symptomen-Codex. —  Physicians'  Pocket  Cases  with  60  Vials  of  Tinctures  and  Tritu- 
rations.— Cases  from  200  to  300  Vials,  with  low  and  high  dilutions  of  medicated  pellets. 
— Cases  from  50  to  80  Vials  of  low  and  high  dilutions,  &c.  &c.  Homeopathic  Choco- 
late. Refined  Sugar  of  Milk,  pure  Globules,  &c.  Arnica  Tincture,  the  best  specific 
remedy  for  bruises,  sprains,  wounds,  &c.  Arnica  Plaster,  the  best  application  for 
Corns.  Arnica  salve,  Urtica  wens,  tincture  and  salve,  and  Dr.  Reisig's  Homoeopathic 
Pain  Extractor  are  the  best  specific  remedies  for  Burns.  Canchilagua,  a  Specific  in 
Fever  and  Ague.  Also  Books,  Pamphlets  and  Standard  Works  on  the  System  in  the 
English,  French,  Spanish  and  German  Languages. 

jdjp3  Physicians  ordering  medicines  will  please  mark  after  each  one  its  strength  and 
preparation  as  : 

moth,  tinct.  for  mother  tincture 

L,  trit  or  3.  trit.  for  first  or  third  trituration. 

6  in  liq.  or  30  in  liq.  for  sixth  or  thirtieth  attenuation  in  liquid. 

3.  in  glob,  or  30  in  glob,  for  third  or  thirtieth  attenuation  in  globules. 

Hartmann.  Dr.  F.}  Diseases  of  Children  and  their  Homceopathic  Treat- 
ment. Translated,  with  notes,  and  prepared  for  the  use  of  the  American  and 
English  Profession,  by  Charles  J.  Ilempel,  M  D.  1653.  Bound,  $2.  00. 

Jalir.  Dr.  G.  H.  G.,  The  Homceopathic  Treatment  on  the  diseases  of 
females.  Translated  from  the  French  by  Charles  J.  Hempel,  M.D.  large  8  vo 
1856.  422  Pages.  Bound,  $2.  00 

Becker,  Dr.  A.  C.j  On  Constipation.  Translated  from  the  German, 
Bound,  38  cts. 

Becker,  Dr.  A.  C.,  On  Consumption.  Translated  from  the  German, 
Bound  38  cts. 

Becker,  Dr.  A.  C.,  On  Dentition.  Translated  from  the  German,  Bound, 
38  cts. 

Becker,  Dr.  A.  C.,  On  Diseases  of  the  Eye.  Translated  from  the  German, 
Bound,  38  cts, 

tlE§=,  The  above  four  works  by  Dr.  A.  C.  Becker,  can  be  have  bound  in  one  volume, 
at$l. 

Bryant,  Dr.  J.,  A  Pocket  Manual  or  Repertory  of  Homceopathic  Medicines 
alphabetically  and  nosologicall  yarranged  ;  which  may  be  used  as  the  physician's 
Vade-Mecum,  the  traveller's  Medical  Companion,  or  the  Family  Physician : 
containing  the  principal  remedies  for  the  most  important  diseases,  symptoms, 
sensations,  characteristics  of  diseases,  <fec.  ;  with  the  principal  pathogenetic 
effects  of  the  medicines  on  the  most  important  organs  and  functions  of  the 


WILLIAM  RADDE'S  CATALOGUE  OF 


body ;  together  with  diagnosis,  explanation  of  technical  terms,  directions  for 
the  selection  und  exhibition  of  remedies,  rules  of  diet,  Ac.,  Ac.  Compiled  from 
the  best  homoeopathic  authorities.  Bound,  $1.  25. 

CasparPs  Homoeopathic  Domestic  Physician,  edited  by  F.  Hartmann,  M.D., 
"  Author  of  the  Acute  and  Chronic  Diseases."  Translated  from  the  eighth 
German  edition,  and  enriched  by  a  Treatise  on  Anatomy  and  Physiology,  em- 
bellished with  30  illustrations,  by  W.  Esrey,  M.D.  With  additions  and  a  pre- 
face by  C.  Bering,  M.D.  Containing  also  a  Chapter  on  Mesmerism  and  Mag- 
netism ;  directions  for  patients  living  some  distance  from  a  homoeopathic  phy- 
sician, to  describe  their  symtoms ;  a  Tabular  Index  of  the  medicines  and  the 
diseases  in  which  they  are  used  ;  and  a  Sketch  of  the  Biography  of  Dr.  Samuel 
Hahneinann,  the  Founder  of  Homoeopathy.  Bound  81.  25. 

Chepmell,  Dr.  E.  C.,  Domestic  Homoeopathy  restricted  to  its  legitimate 
sphere  of  practice,  together  with  rules  for  diet  and  regimen.  First  American 
edition,  with  additions  and  improvements  by  Samuel  B.  Barlow,  M.D.,  Bound, 
50  cts. 

Curtis,  J.  T.,  M.D.,  and  J.  LiHie,  M.D.,  Epitome  of  Homoeopathic  Prac  ice. 
Compiled  chiefly  from  Jahr,  Iluckcrt,  Beauvais,  Bceninghausen,  Ac.     Second 
enlarged  edition.     Bound,  75  cts. 
Douglas,  Dr.  J.  S.,  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  Intermittent  Fevers.    1853. 

38  cts. 

Dudgeon's  Lectures  on  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Homoeopathy.  Deli- 
vered at  the  Hahnemann  Hospital  School  of  Homoeopathy,  by  R.  £.  Dudgeon, 
M.D  Manchester,  1854.  Bound,  (565  pages),  $2.  50. 

Collmann,  IVni.,  M.D.,  The  Homoeopathic  Guide,  in  all  Diseases  of  the 
Urinary  ami  Sexual  Organ-",  including  the  derangements  caused  by  Onanism 
and  Sexual  Excesses;  and  accompanied  by  an  Appendix  on  the  use  of  Electro- 
Magnetism  in  the  Treatment  of  these  diseases.  Translated  with  Additions  by 
Ch.  J  Hempel.  1835.  Bound,  $1.  50. 
Guernsey,  Dr.  Egbert,  The  Gentleman's  Hand-Book  of  Homoeopathy; 

especially  for  travellers,  and  for  Domestic  Practice.     1855.     Bound,  75  cts. 
Ilaliucniaiiii,  Dr.  Samuel,  The  lesser  Writings  of,  collected  and  translated 
by  R  E.  Dudgeon,  M.D.     With  a  Preface  and  Notes  by  E.  E.  Marcy,  M  D  , 
With  a  beautiful  steel  engraving  of  Hahnemann,  from  the  Statue  by.Stein- 
bseuser.     Bound,  one  large  volume  (784  pages).     $3  00 

43-  This  valuable  work  contains  a  large  number  of  Essays  of  great  interest  to  l.iy- 
men  as  well  as  medical  men,  upon^liet,  the  prevention  of  diseases,  ventilation 
of  dwellings,  &c.  As  many  of  these  papers  were  written  before  the  discovery 
of  the  Homoeopathic  theory  of  cure,  the  reader  will  be  enabled  to  peruse  in  this 
volume  the  ideas  of  a  gigantic  intellect  when  directed  to  subjects  of  general  and 
practical  interest. 
"The  Lesser  Writings  MUST  BE  READ  by  every  student  of  Homoeopathy  who 

wishes  to  become  acquainted  with  the  Master-minA."      R,  E.  DUDGEON,  M.D. 
Hahnemann,  Dr.  Samuel,  Materia  Medica  Pura.    Translated  by  C.  J.  Hem- 
pel,  M.D.     4  vols.     Bound,  $6  00. 

Hahnemann,  Dr.  Samuel,  The  Chronic  Diseases,  their  Specific  Nature  and 
Homoeopathic  Treatment.  Translated  and  edited  by  C  J.  Hempel,  M  D.,  with 
a  Pref.ice  by  C.  Hering,  M.D,  5  vols  Bound,  $7.  00. 

Hahncinauii.  Dr.  Samnel,  Organon  of  Homoeopathic  Medicine,  third  Ameri- 
can edition,  with  Improvements  and  additions,  from  the  last  German  edition, 
and  Dr.  C  Hering's  introductory  remarks.  Bound,  §4.  00. 

l^f  The  above  four  works  of  Dr.  Samuel  Hahnemann,  are  and  will  forever  be  the 
greatest  treasures  of  Homoeopathy  ;  they  are  the  most  necessary  works  for  Ho- 
moeopathic Practitioners,  and  should  grace  the  library  of  every  Homoeopathic 
Physician. 

Hempel,  Dr.  Charles  Julius,  A  Trcatis.-on  the  use  of  Arnica,  in  cases  of 
Contusion-,  Wounds,  Sprains,  Lacerations  of  the  Solids,  Concussions.  Paralysis, 
Rheumatisms,  Soreness  of  the  Nipples,  Ac.,  Ac.,  with  a  number  of  cases,  illus- 
trative of  the  uso  of  that  drug  19  cts. 


HOMOEOPATHIC    BOOKS. 


Hempel,  Dr.  Charles  Julius,  Complete  Repertory  of  the  Homoeopathic  Ma- 
teria  Medioa.  1224  pages.  1853.  Bound,  86.  00. 

*i-  We  have  now  before  us  the  result  of  Dr.  Hempel's  incessant  labors  in  the 
shape  of  a  portly  volume  of  upwards  of  1200  pages,  for  which  he  deserves  the 
best  thanks  of  the  homoeopathic  body  at  large.  This  volume  will  be  a  great  ac- 
quisition to  all  practitioners  of  our  art,  as  it  will  facilitate  very  much  their 
search  for  the  appropriate  remedy. — We  have  already  made  extensive  use  of  it ; 
thanking  Dr  Hempel  most  heartily  for  his  repertory,  we  commend  it  confidently 
to  our  English  colleagues.  It  will  be  found  useful  'by  all,  whether  they  possess 
the  two  volumes  of  the  Symptomen-Codex  or  no  ;  and,  it  will  in  many  cases  guide 
the  practitioner  to  the  ready  discovery  of  an  appropriate  remedy,  when  all  the 
other  works  hitherto  published  in  our  language  would  leave  him  in  the  lurch  — 
From  the  British  Journal  of  Homoeopathy,  No  XLIV. 

I  use  it  almost  daily  in  my  practice,  and  have  frequently  been  able  to  find  the  symptom 
or  group-of  symptoms  wished  for,  in  a  few  minutes  on  its  pages,  after  having  for  a 
much  longer  time  searched  in  vain  through  the  older  repertories. 

Philadelphia  M.  WILLIAMSON,  M.D. 

I  have  ever  found  it  reliable,  and  since  becoming  familiar  with  its  arrangement,  I  regard 
it  the  best  practical  guide  yet  offered  to  the  homoeopathic  profession  in  this  country. 
Philadelphia.  A.  E.  SMALL.  M.D.     '• 

I  consider  it  a  work  of  merit  and  decidedly  of  use  to  Physicians  commencing  the  practice 
of  Homoeopathy.  JAMES  KITCHEN,  M.D.,  215  Spruce-street. 

Philadelphia. 

Ever  since  your  Repertory  was  issued,  it  has  been  my  daily  adviser,  has  never  failed 
to  assist  me  and  has  als'o  saved  me  a  great  deal  of  time.  GEO.  DUHBING,  M.D. 

Philadelphia. 

I  place  a  high  estimation  upon  the  entire  work,  and  shall  consider  it  a  safe  guide  to  go- 
vern me  in  my  prescriptions  to  the  sick.  RICHARD  GARDINER,  M.D. 

Philadelphia. 

I  can  with  truth  say,  that  I  consider  it  by  very  far  the  best  Repertory  I  have  ever  used 
or  seen,  and  that,  I  would  by  no  means  be  without  it.  It  has  saved  me  many  hours 
of  research,  and  has  very  seldom  failed  to  satisfy  my  expectations.  . 

Philadelphia.  J.  R.  COXE.  JR.  M.D. 

I  deem  it  an  act  of  justice  to  say  that  I  believe  it  to  be  the  best  work  of  the  kind  in  the 
English  language, — and  that  it  will  be  not  only  a  valuable  aid  to  the  student,  but  great- 
ly facilitate  the  practitioner  of  Homoeopathy  in  the  selection  of  remedies  in  the  treat- 
ment of  disease.  The  profession  are  under  great  obligation  to  Dr.  Hempel  for  furnish- 
ing them  with  so  valuable  a  work.  WM.  STILES,  M.D. 

Philadelphia. 

I  have  examined  your  new  "  Repertory"  with  much  care,  and  I  am  happy  to  recommend 
it  as  a  work  eminently  calculated  to  facilitate  the  labors  of  students  as  well  as  of  prac- 
ticing physicians  in  referring  both  to  particular  symptoms  and  the  remedies  calcu- 
lated to  meet  those  symptoms. 
I  believe  it  to  be  unequalled  in  this  by  any  work  of  the  kind  published  in  America. 

Philadelphia.  M.  SEMPLE,  M.D.,  Prof.  Cuem.  and  Tox.  Horn.  Med.  Col.  Pa. 

I  have  been  requested  to  give  my  opinion  of  "Dr.  Hempel's  Repertory."  It  supplies, 
in  my  estimation,  a  desideratum,  which  entitles  its  author  and  publisher  to  the  thanks 
of  the  whole  Homoeopathic  school,  and  exhibits  an  amount  of  labor  and  research, 
which  few  men  beside  the  indefatigable  author  would  have  been  willing  to  undertake. 
I  should  consider  no  Homoeopathic  Library  complete  without  it. 

Philadelphia.  ROBT.  T.  EVANS,  JR.  M  D. 

I  have  frequently  consulted  the  '•  Repertory  of  the  Homoeopathic  Materia  Medica,"  so 
ably  compiled  by  Dr.  Hempel,  and  do  not  hesitate  to  commend  it  to  the  atlention  of 
the  adherents  of  Homoeopathy.  A.  GERALD  HULL,  M.D. 

New-  York. 

Dr.  Hempel's  Repertory  is  an  elaborate  practical  index  to  the  Materia  Medica  and  the 
only  complete  work  of  the  kind  in  our  language.  J.  T.  CURTIS,  M.D. 

New-  York. 

I  have  used  Hempel's  Repertory  almost  from  the  first  day  of  its  publication,  and  I  am 
more  and  more  pleased  with  it,  the  more  I  use  it.  I  make  frequent  reference  to  it, 
not  only  for  assistance  against  the  daily  exigencies  of  medical  practice,  but  in  the 
composition  of  the  medical  work  in  which  I  have  been  for  some  time  engaged,  I  am 
almost  always  sure  to  find  the  very  imformation  that  I  require.  I  have  frequently 
quoted  in  my  Treatises  on  Headache,  Apoplexy,  and  Diseases  of  Females,  and  shall 
continue  to  quote  in  the  forthcoming  books. 

The  industry,  and  command  of  the  English  language  possessed  by  Dr.  Hempel,  are 
truly  wonderful.  J.  C.  PETKBS.  M.D. 

New-York. 

Jahr's  New  Manuel ;  originally  published  under  the  name  of  Symptomen 
Codex.  (Digest  of  Symptoms.)  This  work  is  intended  to  facilitate  a  compari- 


\VIT,UAM    RADDK  S    CATALOGUE. 


son  of'the  parallel  symptoms  of  the  various  Homoeopathic  agents,  thereby  ena- 
bling the  practitioner  to  discover  the  characteristic  symptoms  of  each  drug,  and 
to  determine  with  case  and  correctness  what  remedy  is  most  Homoeopathic  to  the 
existing  group  of  symptoms.  Translated,  with  important  and  extensive  addi- 
tions from  various  source.",  l>y  Charles  Julius  floinj*!.  Ml).,  assisted  l>y  James 
M  Quinn,  M.D  ,  with  revisions  and  clinical  notes  by  John  F.  Gray,  ,M  I). ;  con- 
tributions by  Dr.  A  Gerald  Hull,  George  W.  Cook,  and  Dr.  B.  F  Joslin,  of 
New-York  ;  and  Drs.  C.  Hering,  J  Jeanes,  C.  Neidhard,  W  Williamson,  and 
J.  Kitchen  of  Philadelphia;  with  a  Preface  by  Constantine  llcriug,  M.[>  ,  2 
vols.,  bound  $14.  00. 

The  third  volume  is,  issued  as  a  separate  work,  under  the  title  of  Complete 
Repertory  of  the  Homoeopathic  Materia  Medica.  By  Charles  J.  Hempel,  AID. 
1224  pages  Price  96,  or  all  three  volumes  at  $20. 

Jahr's  New  Manual  of  Homoeopathic  Practice;  edited,  with  Annotations, 
by  A.  (ierald  Hull,  M.D.  From  the  last  Paris  edition.  This  is  the  fourth 
American  edition  of  a  very  celebrated  work,  written  in  French  by  the  eminent 
Homoeopathic  Professor  Jahr,  and  it  is  considered  the  best  practical  compendium 
of  this  extraordinary  science  that  has  yet  been  composed.  After  a  very  judi- 
cious and  instructive  introduction,  the  work  presents  a  Table  of  the  Homoeopa- 
thic Medicines,  with  their  names  in  Latin,  English  and  German  ;  the  order  in 
which  they  are  to  be  studied,  with  their  most  important  distinctions  and  clinical 
illustrations  of  their  symptoms  and  effects  uppn  the  various  organs  and  functions 
of  the  human  system.  The  second  volume  embraces  an  elaborate  of  Analysis 
of  the  indications  in  disease,  of  the  medicine  adapted  to  cure,  and  a  Glossary  of 
the  technics  used  in  the  work,  arranged  so  luminously  as  to  form  an  admirable 
guide  to  every  medical  student.  The  whole  system  is  here  displayed  with  a 
modesty  of  pretension,  and  a  scrupulosity  in  statement,  well  calculated  to  be- 
speak candid  investigation.  This  laborious  work  is  indispensable  to  the  stu- 
dents and  practitioners  of  Homoeopathy,  and  highly  interesting  to  medical  and 
scientific  men  of  all  classes.  Complete  Symptomatology  and  Repertory,  2  vols., 
bound,  $6.  00. 

Jthr's,  Dr.  G.  II.  C.  and  Possart's  New  Manual  of  the  Homoeopathic  Mate- 
ria Medica,  arranged  with  reference  to  well  authenticated  observations  at  the 
sick-bed,  and  accompanied  by  an  alphabetical  Repertory,  to  facilitate  and  secure 
the  selection  of  a  suitable  remedy  in  any  given  case.  4th  edition,  enlarged  by 
the  Author.  SYMPTOMATOLOGY  and  REPERTORY.  Translated  and  edited  by 
C.  J.  Hempel,  M.D.  Bound,  $3.  50. 

Joslin,  Dr.  B.  F.,  Principles  of  Homoeopathia,  In  a  series  of  lectures. 
Bound,  75  cts. 

Joslin,  Dr.  B.  F.,  Homeopathic  Treatment  of  Cholera  including  Reperto- 
ries for  this  disease  and  for  Summer-Complaints.  Third  edition  with  Additions. 
1854  Bound,  $1. 

Homoeopathic  Cookery.  Second  edition,  with  additions,  by  the  Lady  of  an 
American  Homoeopathic  Physician.  Designed  chiefly  for  the  use  of  such  per- 
sons as  are  under  Homoeopathic  treatment.  50  cts. 

Laurie,  Dr.  J.,  The  Parent's  Guide.  Containing  the  Diseases  of  Infancy 
and  Childhood  and  their  Homoeopathic  Treatment.  To  which  is  added  a  Trea- 
tise on  the  Method  of  rearing  Children  from  their  earliest  Infancy  ;  comprising 
the  essential  branches  of  Moral  and  Physical  Education.  Edited,  with  Addi- 
tions by  Walter  Williamson,  M.D.,  Professor  of  Matera  Medica  and  Thera- 
peutics in  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Pennsylvania  (460  pages.)  1854. 
Bound,  81.  00. 

Laurie's  Homoeopathic  Domestic  Medicine.  Arranged  as  a  practical  work 
for  StudenU.  Containing  the  treatment  of  Diseases  and  a  Glossary  of  medical 
terms.  Sixth  American  edition,  enlarged  and  improved,  by  A.  Gerald  Hull, 
M.D.  1853.  With  full  description  of  the  dose  to  each  single  case.  800  pages.) 
Fourteenth  thousand.  Bound,  $1.  50. 


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UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A  000  500  738  o 


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1857 
Guernsey,  Egbert. 

Homeopathic  domestic  practice 


MEDICAL  SCIENCES  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  IRVINE 

IRVINE,  CALIFORNIA  92664 


